Chapter 1

I was a fake heiress. Before the real daughter of the Bennett family was brought home, I kept Adrian Walker, Mrs. Johnson’s son, as my secret lover.

As long as he was willing to be my bed partner, I would find a suitable heart donor for his younger sister, who suffered from a heart condition, and cover all the medical expenses. That way, Mrs. Johnson wouldn’t need to work two exhausting jobs every day.

He agreed and stayed by my side like a loyal dog for three years.

Until the real heiress, Isabella Bennett, returned and I was thrown out of the Bennett estate.

I became the daughter of a gambling addict and completely cut ties with Adrian.

Later, my father pawned me to a nightclub as a hostess to pay off his gambling debts.

By coincidence, I ran into Adrian in a VIP lounge. He was now Isabella’s boyfriend. And he even ordered me to pour him a drink.

We girls lined up for them to choose from. When I lifted my gaze and saw him, I froze.

Five years after leaving the Bennett estate, I never thought I’d meet Adrian again—least of all like this.

“You can pick whoever you want, but don’t corrupt my Adrian.”

The voice belonged to Isabella.

I glanced sideways at her. She wore a white dress, her high ponytail making her look youthful and full of energy.

I lowered my head. My black bodycon dress clung to every curve, its open back held by only a thin strap, the hem barely covering my thighs. It was exactly the kind of outfit I used to despise.

I’d heard he was now a rising leader in the cutting-edge drone industry. He had finally achieved his dream.

Sitting next to Isabella, he looked like a perfect match for her. One was a celebrated tech entrepreneur, the other the true heiress of the Bennett Group.

“I’ll take number 18.”

Someone called out my number. My heart skipped a beat when I recognized the familiar voice. It was Daniel Carter, my childhood friend.

“Then I’ll take number 12.”

“I’ll take number 7.”

I sat down beside Daniel and poured him a drink.

Then someone nearby casually brought up Isabella’s background and, inevitably, Adrian’s past.

“Mr. Walker, I heard you once had a fling with the fake Bennett heiress. And now you’re with the real one—enjoying the best of both worlds, huh?”

My back stiffened. I glanced at Adrian, but he neither spoke nor showed any expression.

Awkwardness hung in the air until a woman next to Isabella chimed in.

“Our Isabella is the true daughter of the Bennetts. Not only does she run a division of the Bennett Group, but she’s also a renowned jewelry designer. As for Sophia Bennett, she’s nothing compared to Isabella.”

The moment I heard that arrogant voice, I knew it was my old nemesis. I never imagined she would one day be flattering Isabella like this.

Daniel, sitting next to me, looked displeased for just a moment. But I knew he wouldn’t speak up for me—he was the illegitimate son of the Carter family, with no say since childhood.

Just then, girl number 7 began singing, and the atmosphere in the lounge grew lively again.

Taking the chance, I excused myself to fetch more drinks, hoping to slip away quickly.

“Number 18.”

Adrian suddenly called out to me.

“Could you pour me a drink?”

My hands trembled as I filled his glass and handed it over.

“Thank you.”

He glanced at me once, showing no recognition, his eyes moving on indifferently.

Of course he wouldn’t recognize me. I never wore makeup before, and now with my heavy layers, even I barely recognized myself.

I forced a bitter smile, mocking myself, and turned to leave.