Chapter 1

When Zev York was framed and fired, I hid my billionaire identity and invested in him for three years. I worked behind the scenes to help him reach the top of the corporate ladder.

On the day of his ultimate success, he kissed my forehead. He whispered that he had a special surprise waiting for me.

I thought my years of sacrifice had finally paid off. I was so blinded by love that I ignored the cold, malicious glint in his eyes.

Just as I moved to embrace him, he suddenly grabbed me by my hair. He dragged me to the edge of the rooftop, dangling me over the abyss.

"You didn't actually think I was going to propose, did you? Use your brain for once. You aren't even worthy of wiping the dust off my shoes!"

He forced me to sign a contract that stripped me of everything. He made me watch as my father was mauled by a vicious dog while he laughed in my face.

"The daughter of the Sterling family has been obsessed with me for years. Soon, I'll be the most powerful son-in-law in the Sterling Global empire!"

Later, he even tried to sell me to the CEO of Sterling Global for a business deal. He had no idea that the man was my biological brother.

......

Zev York's inauguration speech was coming to an end. My heart was racing with a mix of excitement and a strange, lingering dread.

My father had texted me thirty minutes ago saying he was at the front entrance. But I still hadn't seen him in the crowd.

I stepped out of the conference room and dialed his number. It rang and rang, but there was no answer.

Anxious, I prepared to head back inside. Just as I turned around, I realized Zev was standing right behind me.

I gasped, clutching my chest. "Zev! You scared me. Why are you standing there so quietly?"

Zev gave me a gentle, practiced smile. "Sorry, babe. I'm just here to take you to the rooftop for your surprise."

He took my hand and led me toward the elevators. I looked at his back, feeling a sudden chill.

For a split second, I thought I saw a flash of pure hatred in his eyes. It was an expression I had never seen on him before.

Before I could process it, we were already on the roof. The rooftop was empty―no flowers, no balloons, nothing like I had imagined.

I turned to ask him what was going on. Suddenly, the heavy metal door slammed shut, followed by the clanking sound of a chain locking it.

A wave of terror washed over me. "Zev, why are we here? Why did they lock the door?"

Zev turned around slowly. The warmth was gone from his face, replaced by a terrifying sneer.

"Sera, why do you think?"

Without warning, he lunged forward and grabbed a handful of my hair. The sharp pain in my scalp made me scream.

"Zev! Have you lost your mind? Let me go!"

I struggled, trying to pry his fingers loose. During the scuffle, my nails accidentally scratched the back of his hand.

His grip tightened instantly, forcing my head back. He looked at me like I was a piece of trash.

"You little brat! Stay still!"

He slammed his hand across my face twice. The force of the slaps sent my head spinning, and my cheeks burned with shame and pain.

Tears blurred my vision. "Zev, what is wrong with you? I'm your girlfriend!"

I couldn't believe this was the same man. For three years, he had been the perfect, attentive partner.

If this wasn't happening right now, I would have called anyone a liar for saying he was a monster. But the man standing over me was a devil.

"Girlfriend?"

He let out a sharp, mocking laugh. He dragged me by my hair to the very edge of the building.

With one powerful shove, half of my body was hanging over the ledge. We were fifty stories up.

I looked down and my heart nearly stopped. My body began to shake uncontrollably, and my voice failed me.

I could only claw at Zev's arms, desperate for any grip. My terror seemed to feed his ego.

His grin grew wider and more twisted. "Are you scared, honey? Should we make this a little more exciting?"

He pushed me further out, his hands barely holding onto my waist. I closed my eyes and screamed at the top of my lungs.

"Zev, I'm begging you! Please stop! I'm terrified!"

The more I begged, the more thrilled he became. I felt myself slipping, certain that this was the end.

Right as I gave up hope, he yanked me back onto the concrete. I collapsed into a heap, my legs turning to jelly.

Zev knelt down and tilted my chin up, forcing me to look at him. "So, did you enjoy your surprise?"

I looked into his cold eyes, my voice trembling. "Is this... is this what you meant by a surprise?"