Chapter 1

"I've made my decision. I'll marry the Sinclair heir—the one in a coma."

Ariana Reeves leaned against the doorframe, a sardonic smile curving her blood-red lips.

Her father Frederick Reeves nearly dropped his Cuban cigar onto the priceless Persian rug, jerking upright in his leather chair as the wrinkles around his eyes smoothed in surprise.

"Ari, you've finally come around? That's wonderful! The Sinclairs have been pushing for this to happen within the next two weeks. What kind of wedding dress would you like? I'll have something custom-made—"

"Is that all?" Ariana cut him off with a cold laugh. "I'm stepping in for your precious bastard daughter, and you're not even going to show some appreciation?"

The temperature in the room seemed to plummet. Her father's expression darkened.

"Watch your tone. Mia is your sister."

"Half-sister," Ariana corrected, her eyes glittering like ice. "She's the product of your affair. I'll never acknowledge her as family."

A vein pulsed visibly at her father's temple, but he swallowed whatever rage was building and took a deep breath, ash from his cigar drifting to the floor.

"What do you want?" he asked flatly.

"One hundred million dollars," she replied without hesitation. "And once I'm married, I want you to reassign Dominic Reed to protect your precious Mia instead of me."

Her father's expression froze.

"Have you lost your mind? One hundred million would drain nearly all my liquid assets! And Dominic—isn't he your favorite bodyguard? You used to throw tantrums about marrying him, and now you're willing to give him up?"

"Yes or no?" Ariana asked impatiently, already turning to leave.

"Fine!" Her father slammed his hand on the desk, rising to his feet. "The day you marry into the Sinclair family, both matters will be handled."

He didn't bother to examine her demands too closely. His only concern was finalizing the arrangement as quickly as possible.

Years ago, when the Sinclair heir had been at the height of his power and influence, Frederick had eagerly arranged the engagement, intending to marry off Mia and secure a promising future for her.

But then nobody expected that a sudden accident left the Sinclair heir comatose.

Frederick couldn't bear to see his darling Mia suffer such a fate—which was when he remembered he had another daughter...

Ariana gave a dismissive wave over her shoulder, her stilettos clicking against the marble floor with a sharpness that felt like a slap to the face.

Just as she gripped the doorknob, her father's voice reached her again: "I understand the money, but why give up Dominic? I thought you were infatuated with him. Why not bring him over to Sinclair to continue as your bodyguard?"

Ariana's fingers froze on the handle.

She didn't turn around, but her eyes have already burned with unshed tears.

That name was like a thorn, piercing the softest part of her heart.

She pushed open the door forcefully, shutting her father and his question behind her.

Back at her private villa, it was already well past midnight.

Ariana made her way upstairs in her heels, but as she passed Dominic's room, she heard muffled sounds from inside.

With a half-close door, she glanced in, the scene unfolding inside—

Dominic was half-reclined against the headboard, a photograph held between his long fingers.

Eyes closed, his Adam's apple bobbed as his deep, sensual voice murmured, "Mia... baby... I want you..."

It was a photo of Mia.

Taken at last year's birthday gala, where she'd worn a white sundress, smiling with that innocent expression that everyone seemed to adore.

Ariana's nails dug into her Hermès bag strap, leaving crescent marks, and finally answered her father's question in her mind.

'Because he's just like you, Dad. He only has eyes for Mia.'

The realization tumbled through her mind, scorching her chest with pain.

Three years ago, she'd first seen Dominic during bodyguard selection day.

Among the lineup of imposing security personnel, her eyes had locked onto him immediately.

The reason was simple—he was ridiculously gorgeous.

Six-foot-two, broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, chiseled features, and especially those obsidian eyes, cold as ice.

Ariana was known throughout their social circle as a flirtatious vixen. She'd initially intended to toy with him, but over three years—

She'd pretended to be drunk and fallen into his arms, only for him to hold her by the scruff of her neck like a kitten and deposit her back on the sofa.

She'd knocked on his door wearing a skimpy nightgown in the middle of the night, but he'd simply wrapped his suit jacket around her and respectfully escorted her back to her room.

She'd even faked drowning in the pool. He'd jumped in to save her but hadn't touched her waist even once.

No matter how she tried to seduce him, he remained immune to her charms, always addressing her formally as "Miss Reeves." And yet, somehow, she'd fallen for him anyway.

Even she herself didn't exactly know why.

Perhaps it was because, since her mother's death, she'd been desperately lonely.

When she was seven, on one day, her father suddenly brought home his illegitimate daughter.

At the time, her mother had been nine months pregnant with her father's second child.

Her mother had loved Frederick desperately. She'd confronted him hysterically, crying until she could barely breathe. That night, she went into early labor. By the time she reached the hospital, it was too late—both mother and unborn child were lost.

Since then, Ariana had despised her father and loathed Mia with equal passion.

She'd moved out of the family mansion, attended school alone, eaten meals alone, grown up alone—until her striking beauty attracted so many predatory trust fund boys that she finally decided she needed some guards.

Dominic Reed became her first bodyguard.

After that, she wasn't alone anymore. Whatever she did, Dominic was there beside her.

Her feelings for him evolved from admiration to flirtation to genuine love, but after three years—over a thousand days and nights—he'd never so much as batted an eyelash at her advances.

She'd assumed he was simply cold-natured, until that day when she caught him pleasuring himself to Mia's photograph, and then overheard his subsequent phone conversation—

"Dom, how long are you going to keep playing this bodyguard game? You're the freaking heir to the North Shore fortune! You could have any woman you want! If you've got a thing for Mia Reeves, why not just take what you want? Why are you playing this virginal act, being her sister's bodyguard just to catch glimpses of her?"

Dominic's expression remained impassive. "I've done my research. Mia's illegitimate. She's had a difficult childhood and lacks security. Pursuing her too aggressively would frighten her off. I'm taking it slow."

"So what about the infamous Miss Reeves constantly throwing herself at you? I'd have thought you might have been tempted by now. After all, she's practically the crown jewel of the North Shore scene—there's a line of guys from here to Paris who'd kill to date her..."

Dominic seemed to smile slightly, but what him said in the next sent Ariana directly plummeting into an icy abyss.

"Is that so? Not interested. She doesn't compare to even a single strand of Mia's hair."

Each word, had been like a knife, stabbing into Ariana's heart!

In that moment, she fell out of love with him completely.

Whatever was happening in his room continued for what seemed like an eternity. But for some reason, tonight Dominic still wasn't finding his release.

Watching this, she twisted her lips into a cold smile and abruptly pushed open the door—

Chapter 2

When Dominic looked up, Ariana caught a glimpse of unfathomable darkness in his eyes.

Perhaps it was his natural authority as someone born to power, but being caught in such a compromising position didn't faze him in the slightest.

With casual deliberation, he slipped the photograph under his pillow, his long fingers methodically adjusting the alarming bulge in his tailored pants.

In mere seconds, he'd reverted to his usual detached, ascetic demeanor, as if the man losing control moments before had been a figment of her imagination.

"Need something, Miss Reeves?" he asked coolly, leaning back slightly to create distance between them.

He was always like this.

The mere photograph of Mia could drive him to desperation, yet in Ariana's presence, he acted like a Catholic priest with a vow of celibacy.

Ariana's nails dug into her palm as she pictured Mia's bland, unremarkable face—

Her sister's body wasn't as curvy as hers, her features not as striking as well. Yet somehow everyone fell for that manufactured innocence act.

Whatever. She had beauty, money, and curves in all the right places.

From today forward, she was washing her hands of anyone who didn't appreciate what she offered.

"There's an auction tomorrow night. You'll accompany me," she instructed flatly before turning to leave.

Dominic frowned. "I believe I requested two days off..."

"I heard Mia will be there," she said without looking back.

After a moment of silence, his deep voice replied, "Understood, Miss Reeves."

Ariana felt a sting in her heart like a needle prick.

Of course. Just mention Mia's name, and he'd break any rule, abandon any principle.

That's fine.

Soon enough, she would personally deliver him to Mia's side.

The next morning, Ariana had barely stepped outside the villa when she spotted Dominic already waiting by the car.

His black suit accentuated his perfect physique—broad shoulders and narrow waist—while the morning light cast a golden edge along his stern profile.

In the past, she would have deliberately tried to provoke a reaction—pretending to twist her ankle and falling into his arms, or whispering in his ear with her lips close enough to feel his heat.

Today, she simply got into the car without expression, not even sparing him a single glance.

Dominic seemed surprised, studying her for a beat longer than usual before silently sliding into the passenger seat.

As the car headed toward the auction house, Ariana stared out the window. Unlike her usual self, she didn't fabricate excuses to make conversation. The silence between them was so complete that their breathing was the only sound.

The auction was being held at the city's most prestigious hotel.

Crystal chandeliers illuminated the grand hall like daylight, while the air was perfumed with expensive fragrances worn by the social elite.

Ariana had barely entered when she spotted Mia standing with a group of society girls. Her half-sister wore a white sundress, her straight black hair falling over her shoulders as she chatted and smiled, the picture of sweet innocence.

Dominic's demeanor shifted instantly.

Though he still physically stood behind Ariana, fulfilling his bodyguard duties, she could feel his attention completely captured by Mia.

"Ari!" Mia spotted them and rushed over, affectionately linking arms with Ariana. "What a coincidence! You're here for the auction too?"

Ariana coldly withdrew her arm. "Don't touch me."

Mia's eyes immediately welled with tears, and she turned to Dominic with a wounded expression. "Dom, I was just trying to be close to my sister..."

Dominic's brow furrowed slightly, his gaze toward Ariana reflecting barely concealed disgust.

Mia seized the opportunity, tugging at Dominic's sleeve. "Dom, I heard that when I had a fever and was craving those raspberry macarons, you braved that terrible storm at midnight to bring them to me? I'm so sorry I couldn't thank you properly—I was quite delirious with fever and then on bedrest for days."

Dominic's severe features instantly softened. "It was nothing, Miss Mia. I was in the area anyway."

In the area? Ariana almost laughed aloud.

That night he'd disappeared for five hours and returned soaking wet. So that was his version of "being in the area"?

"I still need to thank you properly!" Mia said sweetly. "Let me take you to dinner."

This time Dominic didn't refuse. "At your convenience, Miss Mia."

"We should invite Ari too!" Mia turned to Ariana, suddenly feigning concern. "Oh my, Ari, you look so exhausted! And I'm the one who's been sick..."

Ariana cut her off coldly: "Are we suddenly close? Homewrecker's daughter, mind your own business."

Mia's expression changed dramatically, and Dominic's frown deepened further.

At that moment, the auctioneer announced the beginning of the event, mercifully interrupting the uncomfortable exchange.

Ariana ignored them both and took her seat.

She was about to marry into the Sinclair family, and expecting a decent dowry from her father was unrealistic. She needed to prepare her own, which was the real reason she'd come to this auction.

After taking her seat, the first item was presented.

A pigeon-blood ruby necklace, with an opening bid of one million dollars.

She raised her paddle without hesitation.

"Two million."

To her surprise, Mia also raised her paddle. "Three million."

Ariana looked at her half-sister, who smiled sweetly. "You don't mind letting me have this one, do you, Ari? After all, Daddy gives me a much bigger allowance than yours."

Ariana smiled coldly. Bigger was an understatement.

Since childhood, Mia had received a monthly allowance of five million dollars, while Ariana got a mere five hundred.

If not for the inheritance her mother had left her, she might have starved to death long ago.

But things were different now. She had one hundred million coming.

"Four million," Ariana countered, raising her paddle again.

Mia clearly hadn't expected this but gritted her teeth. "Four point five million."

"Five million."

"Five point five million."

After several rounds of bidding, Mia's expression grew increasingly strained. "Ari, where are you getting all this money? Aren't you afraid you won't be able to pay?"

"Ten million!" Ariana doubled the bid, then gave her a mocking smile. "Funny, I'm starting to think you're the one who can't afford to continue."

Mia's face alternated between red and white as whispers spread through the audience.

The auctioneer politely asked, "Miss Mia, would you like to increase your bid?"

"One moment." Mia hurriedly pulled out her phone to message her father.

Moments later, her expression darkened further, obviously having been denied.

Seeing this, Ariana curled her lips in satisfaction.

Of course he would refuse. After promising her one hundred million, he wouldn't have much left to help his precious daughter save face.

Just as the situation grew unbearably awkward, a well-dressed man suddenly appeared in the center of the auction floor and announced loudly:

"Sky's the limit!"

Chapter 3

The room erupted in shock.

"Sir, are you saying..." the auctioneer asked incredulously.

The man explained, "I'm Mr. Reed's executive assistant. Mr. Reed has instructed that any item Miss Mia Reeves shows interest in today will be purchased at any price—sky's the limit."

The auction house instantly buzzed with excited whispers.

"Mr. Reed? The sole heir to the North Shore empire?"

"Isn't he famous for avoiding romantic entanglements? Why would he be throwing unlimited money at Miss Mia Reeves?"

"Looks like Miss Mia is about to make quite the social climb..."

The murmurs ebbed and flowed throughout the room. Mia's expression transformed from shock to delight, finally settling into poorly concealed triumph.

"Is Mr. Reed here? May I thank him personally?" Mia asked, blushing.

The assistant respectfully replied, "Mr. Reed cannot reveal himself at the moment. When the time is right, he will meet with you."

Only then did Mia turn back to Ariana, her eyes gleaming with victory. "Are you still bidding, Ari?"

A second later, she added with fake innocence, "Oh, I almost forgot—Mr. Reed is backing my bids now, and I'm afraid you might go bankrupt if you continue. After all, who in this city has deeper pockets than Dominic Reed?"

Ariana's expression darkened. She shot a glance at Dominic, only to find him gazing adoringly at Mia, his eyes filled with tenderness.

The auction that followed played out like a romantic comedy.

Any item Mia so much as glanced at, the assistant immediately announced "sky's the limit."

The ruby necklace, the rare Tiffany sterling silver tea service from the Belle Époque era, and even that Monet water lily masterpiece with a starting bid of 80 million—all fell into Mia's possession.

Ariana abruptly stood up, unable to contain her frustration any longer. "Your Mr. Reed doesn't leave anything for anyone else?"

The assistant glanced cautiously at Dominic, who gave an almost imperceptible nod.

"Apologies, Miss Reeves," the assistant replied coldly. "These are all gifts from Mr. Reed to Miss Mia. His only concern is her happiness today. The feelings of others are... irrelevant to him."

Ariana laughed, her nails digging deeper into her palm.

She looked at Dominic, but his gaze remained fixed on Mia, who was basking in her newfound adoration.

Dominic Reed, you've really outdone yourself.

You truly have!

When the auction ended, Mia was surrounded by society women, all fawning over her like she was the center of the universe.

Ariana couldn't stomach the hypocritical scene and quickly left the hall.

Once in the car, she told the driver, "Take me to Midnight Lounge."

She needed alcohol to numb herself.

Before the car door closed, Mia squeezed in beside her. "Ari, are you going to the lounge? I've been so bored lately—take me with you!"

Ariana was about to kick her out when Dominic smoothly blocked the door and instructed the driver, "Drive."

Throughout the journey, Mia excitedly discussed the auction.

"Dom, why do you think Mr. Reed would be so generous to me? We've never even met!"

Dominic's voice was unbelievably gentle: "Because he's in love with you."

Mia's eyes widened instantly, her cheeks flushing. "Dom, don't tease me!"

"Men understand other men," he said, his gaze intense as he looked at Mia. "Money follows the heart. Besides..."

"Miss Mia is exceptional. It's no wonder he's fallen for you."

"Does that mean... you like me too, Dom?" Mia suddenly asked.

Dominic froze, about to respond when Ariana coldly interrupted: "If you two want to flirt, get out of my car!"

Mia immediately teared up. "I'm sorry, Ari. I didn't mean to upset you. I'll be quiet now."

Ariana ignored her and turned to look out the window.

Through the reflection, she clearly saw the look Dominic gave Mia—full of tenderness and concern—while his gaze toward herself was only cold with contempt.

She smiled bitterly to herself.

Apparently all men only fall for that fake sweetness act!