“I’ve made up my mind. I’ll marry that comatose Adrian Blackwood.” Seraphina Hayes leaned against the doorframe of the Hayes family mansion, a mocking curl gracing her crimson lips. Victor Hayes’s cigar almost dropped onto the priceless Persian rug. He shot up from his leather armchair, the wrinkles around his eyes smoothing out. “Sera, have you finally come to your senses? That’s wonderful! The Blackwood family has been pressing, you need to be married and settled in Northwood within half a month. What style of wedding dress would you like? Your father will have one custom-made…” “That’s it?” Sera scoffed, a cold glint in her eyes. “I’m marrying into that family in place of your darling bastard daughter. Aren’t you going to offer something more?” The temperature in the living room plummeted. Victor’s face darkened. “What kind of talk is that? What bastard daughter? That’s your sister.” “A sister shares the same mother,” she chuckled, ice forming in her gaze. “She’s the product of your affair, and I’ll never acknowledge her.” A vein throbbed on Victor’s forehead, but he forcibly swallowed his anger before it could erupt. He took a deep breath, ash from his cigar fluttering down. “What do you want?” “Ten billion dollars.” Her red lips parted slightly. “And, after I’m married, transfer Caleb Miller to protect your precious illegitimate child.” Victor’s expression froze. He stared at his daughter as if she were insane. “Are you out of your mind? Ten billion will wipe out all my liquid assets! And Caleb Miller? Isn’t he your favorite bodyguard? You used to constantly demand to marry him. You’re getting married and you’re not taking him with you?!” “Just tell me if you agree or not.” Sera grew impatient, turning to leave. “Fine!” Victor slammed his hand on the table. “The day you leave for Northwood to get married, I’ll take care of both those things immediately.” He didn’t have the luxury of delving deeper, only wanting to finalize this matter. Years ago, Adrian Blackwood, the only son of the Blackwood family, was a rising star. Victor had eagerly arranged an engagement between their families, intending to marry off his younger daughter, Willow, believing it would secure her a good future. Who would have known that an accident would leave Adrian in a coma? He couldn’t bear for Willow to suffer, which was why he eventually remembered that Sera was also his daughter… She waved a dismissive hand, her back still to him. Her high heels clicked sharply on the marble floor, a sound like a slap across someone’s face. Just as she gripped the doorknob, Victor’s voice echoed behind her again. “I can understand you wanting money, but weren’t you always so fond of Caleb Miller? How can you bear to give him to Willow?” Sera’s fingers stiffened. She didn’t turn around, but her eyes suddenly burned. That name was like a thorn, piercing the softest part of her heart. She pushed open the door forcefully, shutting Victor and his question behind her. It was late when she returned to her villa. Sera’s heels clicked on the stairs. As she passed Caleb Miller’s room, she heard a muffled gasp from inside. The door wasn’t fully closed. She glanced in, and her eyes landed on a scene that was terrifyingly clear— Caleb was propped against the headboard, his long fingers clutching a photo, his other hand working below his waist. His eyes were closed, a deep, sexy growl rumbling from his throat: “Willow… baby… so good…” It was a picture of Willow. Taken at her birthday party last year, she was in a white dress, smiling with that innocent sweetness. Sera’s nails dug deep crescent marks into the strap of her designer bag. Finally, she had the answer to Victor’s question. *Because he, like you, only loves Willow Hayes.* The answer churned in her, scorching her insides. Three years ago, she first saw Caleb on the day she was picking out bodyguards. Among a group of towering, burly men, her gaze landed on him immediately. The reason was simple: he was impossibly handsome. Six feet two, broad shoulders tapering to a narrow waist, sharp features, and those dark eyes—cold as ice. Sera was a notorious wild child in their social circle, intending only to flirt with him for fun. But after three years— She’d pretend to be drunk and fall into his arms, only for him to casually grab her by the scruff of her neck, like a cat, and place her back on the sofa. She’d knock on his door late at night, wearing a slinky slip dress, only for him to wrap her entirely in his suit jacket and respectfully escort her back to her room. She even faked drowning in the pool. He jumped in to save her but didn’t even touch her waist. No matter how much she tried to flirt, he remained chaste and aloof, always addressing her politely as “Miss Sera.” Yet, despite herself, she fell for him. She didn’t know how her heart had become so entangled. Perhaps it was because, ever since her mother died, she had been so terribly lonely. When she was seven, Victor had an affair and brought home an illegitimate daughter. Her name was Willow Hayes, and she was only three months younger than Sera. It turned out, for ten years of marriage, he had been cheating for nine. That day, her supposedly happy and peaceful family shattered completely. At the time, Sera’s mother was nine months pregnant with Victor’s second child, due in just a few days. Sera’s mother loved Victor desperately. She screamed at him hysterically, crying until she almost fainted, which triggered early labor. Rushed to the hospital, she died before even reaching the operating room, taking her unborn child with her. From then on, Sera hated Victor, and she hated Willow. She moved out of the Hayes mansion, went to school alone, ate alone, and grew up alone. It wasn’t until her striking beauty attracted too many leering playboys in their circle that she decided she needed a bodyguard. Caleb Miller was her first. After that, she wasn’t alone anymore. Caleb was with her for everything. She went from admiring him, to flirting with him, to falling for him. But three years, over a thousand days and nights, and he hadn’t so much as flickered an eyelash for her. She thought he was naturally cold, until that day she caught him pleasuring himself with a photo of Willow. And then, she watched him, after he’d finished, pick up a call— “Mr. Miller, how long are you going to play this bodyguard game? You’re the scion of North City, you can have any woman you want! If you’re so smitten with Willow Hayes, why not just go after her? Why are you playing this pure game, working as a bodyguard for her sister just to be near her?” Caleb’s expression was indifferent. “I’ve checked; Willow is an illegitimate child. She’s had a tough life and lacks a sense of security. Pursuing her directly would scare her off. I want to take it slow.” “Right, how did the Miller family produce such a devoted romantic? I thought with Miss Sera flirting with you daily, you might be tempted. I’m telling you, she’s a notorious wild child in this city, the line of men who want her stretches from here to Paris…” Caleb seemed to smile, but his words sent her plummeting into an icy abyss. “Really? Not interested. She’s not even worth a single strand of Willow’s hair.” Every word was like a knife, stabbing deep into Sera’s heart! In that moment, she stopped loving Caleb Miller, too. She didn’t know how long it continued, but for some reason, Caleb hadn’t finished today. Seeing this, she smirked coldly, and violently pushed open the door— #### Chapter Two The moment Caleb Miller’s eyes lifted, Sera saw a bottomless darkness in them. Perhaps because he was naturally a man of power, his expression showed no ripple of emotion despite being caught in such a private act. He calmly tucked the photo under his pillow, his long fingers unhurriedly adjusting the startling bulge back into his trousers. In just a few seconds, he had reverted to his usual stoic and aloof demeanor, as if the unbridled man from moments ago had been a mere illusion. Sera couldn’t help but sneer slightly. “Putting it back unfinished? Aren’t you afraid of the frustration? Want me to help you out?” Caleb’s expression remained unchanged. He simply leaned back slightly, increasing the distance between them. “Miss Sera, do you need something?” He was always like this. He could be so aroused by a photo of Willow, yet when faced with her, he was like a chaste and reserved monk. Sera’s nails dug into her palm, recalling Willow’s bland, innocent face—even though her figure wasn’t as good as Sera’s, and her looks weren’t as striking, everyone fell for that innocent act. *It doesn’t matter. I, Seraphina Hayes, have beauty, money, and a figure to die for.* *From today on, anyone who doesn’t like me, I don’t want them.* “There’s an auction tomorrow. You’re coming with me.” She stated coolly, then turned to leave. Caleb frowned slightly. “I believe I requested two days off…” “I heard Willow Hayes will be there too,” she said without looking back. A moment of silence, then his deep voice responded, “Understood, Miss Sera.” Sera’s heart felt a pinprick. *Of course. Mention Willow, and he breaks all his rules.* *Don’t worry.* *Soon, she would personally deliver him to Willow’s side.* The next morning, Sera stepped out of the villa to find Caleb already waiting by the car. His black suit perfectly accentuated his broad shoulders and narrow waist, the morning light casting a golden halo on his sharp profile. Usually, at times like this, she would deliberately flirt with him, perhaps feigning a twisted ankle to fall into his arms, or playfully breathing sweet nothings into his ear. But today, she simply got into the car with an impassive face, not even sparing him a glance. Caleb seemed a little surprised, giving her a prolonged look, but quickly averted his gaze and silently took the passenger seat. The car drove towards the auction house. Throughout the journey, Sera stared out the window, not making excuses to talk to him as she usually did. The silence in the car was so profound, they could hear each other’s breathing. The auction was held in the city center’s most prestigious hotel. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the hall as if it were daylight, filled with elegantly dressed dignitaries. As Sera entered, she immediately spotted Willow standing ahead. She was wearing a white dress, her long, straight black hair draped over her shoulders, laughing with a few socialites, exuding an air of pure innocence. Caleb’s eyes instantly changed. Although he was still behind Sera, performing his bodyguard duties, Sera could feel that his attention was entirely drawn to Willow. “Sister!” Willow spotted them and immediately rushed over, affectionately linking her arm through Sera’s. “What a coincidence, you’re here for the auction too?” Sera coldly pulled her arm away. “Don’t touch me.” Willow’s eyes instantly welled up, and she looked at Caleb with a wronged expression. “Caleb, I just wanted to be closer to my sister…” Caleb frowned slightly, looking at Sera with barely suppressed disgust. Willow seized the opportunity, tugging at Caleb’s sleeve. “Caleb, I heard that time I had a fever and wanted artisanal pastries, you went out in the pouring rain in the middle of the night to buy them and bring them to the Hayes mansion? It’s just that my fever was quite bad last time, and I’ve been recovering, so I haven’t had a chance to thank you.” Caleb’s stern features softened instantly. “Miss Willow, no need to be polite. It was just on my way.” *On his way?* Sera sneered. *He disappeared for five hours that day, came back soaked to the bone—and that was ‘on his way’?”* “Well, you still have to let me treat you to dinner!” Willow said sweetly. Caleb didn’t refuse this time. “As Miss Willow wishes.” “Then we’ll invite Sister along!” Willow looked at Sera, then suddenly exclaimed, “Oh, Sister, why do you look so tired? I’m the one who was sick…” Sera coldly cut her off. “Are we close? Daughter of a home-wrecker, mind your own business.” Willow’s face fell, and Caleb’s frown deepened further. Just then, the auctioneer announced the start of the auction, finally breaking the awkward conversation. Sera couldn’t be bothered with her anymore and took her seat. She was about to marry into the Blackwood family, and relying on Victor to prepare her dowry was clearly unrealistic. She had to prepare these things herself, which was her true purpose for coming to this auction. As she settled down, the first item was presented. A pigeon’s blood ruby necklace, starting bid one million. She raised her paddle without hesitation. “Two million.” To her surprise, Willow also raised her paddle. “Three million.” Sera looked at Willow, who offered a slight smile. “Sister, I like this one too. You don’t mind letting me have it, do you? After all, Dad’s allowance for you isn’t as much as mine, I believe.” Sera sneered. *Not just ‘not as much’—it’s pathetic.* From childhood, Victor gave Willow five million a month, while Sera only received five hundred. If it weren’t for her mother’s inheritance, she might have starved to death. *But things are different now. I have ten billion.* “Four million.” Sera raised her paddle again. Willow was clearly stunned, but still gritted her teeth and increased her bid. “Four and a half million.” “Five million.” “Five and a half million.” After several rounds of bidding, Willow’s face grew increasingly ugly. “Sister, where did you get all this money? Aren’t you afraid you won’t be able to pay?” “Ten million!” Sera doubled the bid, then gave her a mocking smile. “I’m starting to think, who’s actually struggling to pay now?” Willow’s face flushed alternately red and pale as guests around them began to whisper. The auctioneer politely asked, “Miss Willow, do you wish to bid higher?” “Wait a moment.” Willow frantically pulled out her phone to text Victor. A moment later, her face grew even more distressed. She had clearly been rejected. Sera smirked at the sight. *He rejected her, obviously.* *He’d already given away ten billion; he wasn’t about to spend more just to save his precious daughter’s pride.* Just at this awkward moment, a man in a sharp suit suddenly appeared in the center of the hall, announcing loudly: “We’re sweeping the auction for Miss Willow!” #### Chapter Three The entire hall erupted in murmurs. “Sir, are you saying…” the auctioneer asked, astonished. The man explained, “I am Mr. Miller’s assistant. Mr. Miller has instructed that every item Miss Willow so much as glances at today is to be acquired by us, no matter the price.” The auction hall instantly exploded with chatter. “Mr. Miller? The sole heir of the Miller family? North City’s infamous scion?” “Doesn’t he usually keep to himself, completely uninterested in women? How could he do this for Miss Willow?” “Looks like Miss Willow is really climbing the social ladder…” The discussions rippled through the room. Willow’s face went from shock to delight, finally settling into undisguised triumph. “Excuse me, where is Mr. Miller? Can I thank him in person?” Willow asked, her face flushed. Marcus respectfully replied, “Mr. Miller is unable to make an appearance at the moment. When the time is right, he will naturally meet with you.” Only then did Willow turn to Sera, her eyes full of victorious joy. “Sister, are you still bidding?” The next second, she added, feigning innocence, “Oh, I almost forgot, Mr. Miller is sweeping the auction for me. If Sister keeps bidding, I’m afraid she’ll be ruined. After all, in this circle, who has more money than Mr. Miller?” Sera’s face instantly changed. She sharply looked at Caleb, only to see him gazing at Willow with doting affection, his eyes filled with tenderness. The rest of the auction was like a romantic drama. Any item Willow so much as looked at, Marcus immediately announced they were buying it. That ruby necklace, an antique ceramic set, even a Monet Water Lilies painting with a starting bid of eighty million—all went into Willow’s hands. Sera abruptly stood up, no longer able to hold back. She confronted Marcus: “Does your Mr. Miller intend to leave nothing for anyone else?” Marcus carefully glanced at Caleb, who gave an almost imperceptible nod. “Apologies, Miss Sera,” Marcus replied coldly. “These are all gifts from Mr. Miller to Miss Willow. He only wishes for Miss Willow to enjoy this auction. The feelings of others are not within his consideration.” Sera laughed, her nails digging deeply into her palms. She looked at Caleb, whose gaze, however, remained fixed on the triumphant Willow. *Caleb Miller, you’re something else. You really are!* As the auction ended, Willow was surrounded by a crowd of socialites and wealthy ladies, receiving compliments like a queen. Sera couldn’t bear the hypocritical scene and quickly left the venue. Once in the car, she told James, “To the Night Owl Club.” She needed alcohol to numb herself. But before the car door could close, Willow squeezed in. “Sister, are you going to the club? I’ve been so bored lately, take me with you!” Sera was about to kick her out, but Caleb subtly held the car door, directly telling James, “Drive.” All the way, Willow excitedly chattered about the day’s auction. “Caleb, why do you think Mr. Miller is so good to me? We’ve never even met!” Caleb’s voice was incredibly gentle. “Because he likes you.” Willow’s eyes widened instantly, her cheeks flushing. “Caleb, don’t joke!” “A man knows a man best,” he said, looking intently at Willow. “Where there’s money, there’s love. Besides… Miss Willow is so wonderful, it’s no wonder he fell for you.” “Then… do you like me too, Caleb?” Willow suddenly asked. Caleb froze, about to speak, when Sera coldly cut him off. “If you two want to flirt, get out of my car! This is *my* car!” Willow’s eyes immediately reddened. “I’m sorry, Sister, did I bother you? I won’t talk anymore.” Sera ignored her, turning to look out the window. Through the reflection, she clearly saw Caleb’s eyes filled with tenderness and pity for Willow, while his gaze towards her was cold and disgusted. She gave a self-deprecating laugh. *Looks like all men fall for the manipulative ones.*
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