I was known in our circle as the ultimate little vixen, with my lips always curled into a knowing smile and eyes that could charm anyone. Julian Sterling, on the other hand, was the most brilliant heir of the elite families, an untouchable enigma, known for his cold restraint. No one knew that two people so utterly opposite, like Julian and I, would be entangled in such a wild, desperate way—wrestling in the backseat of his Maybach late at night, clawing at each other in the charity gala’s bathroom, or pressed against the floor-to-ceiling windows of his private vineyard, his hands gripping my waist, pushing me against the glass until my legs turned to jelly. After another night of pure abandon, I heard the shower running in the bathroom. I leaned against the headboard, dialing my father, Robert. “I can marry that dying heir from Southwood City to bring him luck, but I have one condition…” On the other end, his voice was barely contained with glee. “Name it! Whatever you want, your father will agree, as long as you marry him!” “I’ll tell you the details when I get home.” My voice was soft, but my eyes held a chilling indifference. I hung up and was about to get up and get dressed when my eyes caught Julian’s laptop lying beside the bed. The SnapChat screen was lit up, the newest message from a girl named “Willow.” 【Julian, it’s thundering, I’m so scared…】 My fingers trembled. The bathroom door suddenly opened, and Julian walked out. Water droplets slid down his collarbone, his shirt unbuttoned casually at the top two buttons, giving him a lazy yet dangerously sensual look. “Something came up at the office. I’m leaving.” He picked up his jacket, his voice still cool and distant. My lips curled into a faint smile. “Is it really the office, or are you going to see your first love?” Julian didn’t quite hear me. “What?” “Nothing.” I got out of bed barefoot, my delicate feet sinking into the soft carpet. His eyes darkened slightly, and his thumb brushed against my swollen lips. “Be good, don’t cause trouble.” The moment the door closed, the smile vanished from my face. I hailed a cab and followed him. Half an hour later, the car stopped in front of a hotel. Through the rain-streaked window, I saw Willow, dressed in a white gown, running out of the hotel entrance. Julian quickly stepped forward, took off his suit jacket, and draped it over her shoulders, then swept her into his arms. “It’s cold out. Why did you come out without a jacket, hm?” His actions were so practiced, as if he’d rehearsed them a thousand times. I clutched the car door handle, my nails digging deep into my palm. Watching Julian carefully carry Willow into the hotel, I suddenly remembered the first time I saw him. Back then, my father and I were at odds. After I’d cracked his head open one too many times, he sent me to his best friend’s son for ‘guidance,’ claiming it would temper my spoiled heiress temper. When we first met, Julian was in his top-floor office at Sterling Corp, his gaze through his gold-rimmed glasses as cold as ice. Of course, I didn’t want to be there. So I tried every trick in the book to cause trouble. On my first day, I spilled coffee all over his custom-tailored suit worth a fortune. Julian merely gave me a brief glance. “That cashmere was flown in from Italy. Put it on the Sterling family’s tab.” The next day, I deliberately shredded important meeting documents. Julian didn’t bat an eye, instead reciting the entire content from memory, leaving the executives in the room stunned. On the third day, I drugged his coffee, set up a camera, and planned to capture his embarrassing state to blackmail him. Instead, I became his antidote. Waking up the next day, every muscle ached. I was furious, ready to kill, but Julian pinned me against the floor-to-ceiling window for another round. “Blair,” he whispered, biting my earlobe, his voice hoarse. “Be good.” That one word, “Blair,” completely disarmed me. No one had called me that since my mother passed away. From then on, our relationship completely changed. Every time I caused trouble, Julian would simply haul me into his office. Outsiders thought he was scolding me, but in reality, he was pressing me against his desk until my legs gave out. Gradually, I found myself craving more. Was it his skill? Or was it just my loneliness? I didn’t know. All I knew was that I was completely hooked. So, on his birthday, I spent an entire day decorating his villa. Roses, candlelight, music—I even had an engagement ring ready. But I waited all night. The candles burned out, the roses wilted, and he never came. It wasn’t until 3 AM that a news alert popped up on my phone— #Elite CEO Spotted Picking Up His First Love Late at Night# The photo showed Julian carefully shielding a girl in a white dress as they got into a car, his gaze achingly tender. The comments section exploded: “OMG, a powerful CEO and his innocent first love. I’m obsessed!” “Holy sh*t! Isn’t that Mr. Sterling and Willow, the campus queen? Back in the day, they were the golden couple of our school!” “I went to the same school, I can confirm! Mr. Sterling was cold to everyone but always smiled at Willow! If she hadn’t gone abroad for her health, they’d probably be married by now!” My phone *clattered* to the floor. I couldn’t believe my eyes. If Julian already had someone in his heart, what was I? Just a convenient bedmate? I frantically dialed Julian’s number, desperate for an answer, but the call never connected. After the last failed attempt, I put down my phone and walked into Julian’s study, a room he never allowed me to enter. The moment I pushed open the door, I felt like I’d been struck by lightning— The room was filled with Willow’s photos. Graduation photos, travel photos, even candid shots of her sleeping. Julian Sterling, who was always so cool and self-controlled, had done something like this. Whether I got an answer or not, it no longer seemed to matter. I suddenly burst out laughing, my laughter echoing harshly in the empty room. As I laughed, hot tears streamed down my face, tracing my delicate jawline before splashing onto the floor. With red-rimmed eyes, I trashed the entire villa. The next day, Julian returned, looked at the mess, and calmly instructed his staff to clean up. He didn’t even spare me a glance, as if my actions were perfectly normal. I watched, helpless, as the maids swept away the engagement ring I had so carefully prepared, treating it like trash. He didn’t know what was in that box. He didn’t know I had wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. And he certainly didn’t know that the moment that ring was swept into the trash, I also decided I would no longer love him. “Miss Blair, where are you going?” The driver’s voice pulled me back to reality. “Home.” I opened my eyes, my voice icy. “Back to the Sterling family home.” Back at the Sterling villa, my father, Robert, immediately greeted me. “Blair, are you really willing to marry into the Southwood family?” On the stairs, my stepmother, Victoria, also looked at me expectantly. “Yes.” My eyes turned cold. “But didn’t I say I had a condition?” “What condition? Tell me!” “I want to…” I enunciated each word slowly. “…disown you as my father.” The air froze. Robert’s face instantly changed. “You’ve gone insane! Do you know what you’re saying?!” “Couldn’t be clearer.” My voice was as cold as ice. “You cheated on my mother, and to make way for that woman, you literally drove my mother to jump to her death. From that day on, I stopped wanting you as a father.” I stared at Robert’s ashen face. “Now the dying heir of Southwood City’s family is offering 50 billion for a propitious marriage, and you’ve been pestering me for three months. If I didn’t agree, were you planning to tie me up and drag me there?” “If that’s the case, what difference does it make if we cut ties?” I sneered, my lips twisting. “Perfect timing to bring your mistress’s daughter back and let her be the Sterling heiress.” Robert was trembling with rage. “Fine! Cut ties then! But the Southwood heir is rumored to not live past the end of the month, so you *must* marry him before then!” He sneered. “As for Victoria’s daughter, she returned from abroad two days ago and has been staying in a hotel. Since you’re willing to give up your position, she’ll move in tomorrow!” I laughed out loud, my heart aching and trembling. “Eager to pamper another woman while neglecting your own daughter, you truly are one of a kind.” I turned to leave, but Victoria, my stepmother, feigned concern and blocked my path. “Blair, how can you talk to your father like that?” I stopped abruptly. I slowly turned back, my eyes burning with years of suppressed hatred. “What? Do you think that once I’m married and out of this house, you can finally put on airs as the legitimate wife?” I stepped closer, one step at a time. “Victoria, listen carefully. Even if my mother is dead, it doesn’t change the fact that you’re a universally despised homewrecker! And your precious daughter, even if she becomes the Sterling heiress, can’t erase the stain of her mother being the other woman!” Victoria’s face instantly paled, and she staggered back two steps. I turned and walked away, each step feeling like I was treading on knife edges. It wasn’t until I returned to my room and closed the door that I slid to the floor, as if all my strength had been drained, burying my face deep in my knees. The next morning, I heard a noisy commotion and laughter downstairs. “What’s going on?” I threw open the door. “Are you trying to keep me from sleeping?” Mr. Davies, the butler, stammered. “Miss Blair… Miss Willow has moved in…” Before he could finish, a familiar figure appeared at the top of the stairs— Willow stood there in a white dress, looking soft and delicate. My blood instantly froze! I never imagined that my stepmother’s daughter, who had supposedly been “recovering from illness” abroad for years, was actually Julian’s first love. Fate truly played a cruel joke on me. The next second, Willow walked towards me, a sweet smile on her face. “I’m so sorry, big sis. Did I wake you up…?” Before she could finish, I slammed the door shut with a *bang*. “Blair! Have you no manners?!” Robert roared from outside. “Empty your room! Willow likes it; it’ll be her room from now on!” I sneered and immediately opened my closet to start packing. Fragmented conversations drifted from outside the door— “Mr. Sterling, is big sis angry?” Willow’s voice was soft enough to drip with honey. “Don’t mind her. She’s been spoiled since she was little.” “But…” “Don’t worry. She’ll be married off to Southwood City soon. After that, this house will be yours and your mother’s.” My hand paused, then my sneer deepened. I promptly booked a flight to Southwood City for the end of the month and continued packing. Half an hour later, I dragged my suitcase out of the room. In the living room, Robert, Victoria, and Willow were sitting on the couch watching TV, with fruits and pastries on the coffee table. They looked like a happy family, completely at peace. I walked past them without sparing a glance. “Stop right there!” Robert barked. “What are you trying to pull now? Don’t forget what you promised!” “Don’t worry, I’ll keep my word.” I said without looking back. “It’s just that for these next two weeks, I don’t want to stay here and feel sick.” I went directly to the most expensive hotel in the city and booked a presidential suite. For the next few days, I went on a shopping spree— I bought the most extravagant wedding gown, then splurged at an auction for antique jewelry as my dowry. Even if I was marrying him for a propitious marriage, I would do it with style and flair. My phone vibrated incessantly in my bag. I didn’t take it out until I bought the last diamond necklace. Thirty-eight missed calls, all from Robert. As soon as I swiped to answer, his roar came through. “Are you crazy?! You spent three hundred million in one day! Are you trying to bankrupt me?!” “What’s the rush?” I sneered. “Once I’m married, you’ll have 50 billion flowing in.” “But that money hasn’t arrived yet! If you keep spending like this, the company will declare bankruptcy tomorrow!” I sneered again. That was exactly what I wanted. I’d already planned to have the Southwood family transfer that 50 billion directly into my personal account after the marriage. Then I’d see if Willow and her homewrecker mother would still stick to a penniless old man. Did they really think everyone was as foolish as my mother? She helped Robert build his empire from scratch, toiled until she was spitting blood and hospitalized, only to be driven to jump to her death. Thinking of my mother, my heart suddenly twisted with sharp pain. My phone vibrated again. It was a text from Julian: 【What kind of tantrum are you throwing now? Why didn’t you come to the office today?】 I stared at the message for a long time. For the past year, because Julian was supposedly “mentoring” me, I had to report to the office punctually almost every day. But now I was getting married. What was there left for him to ‘mentor’ me on? I returned to the hotel with a dozen shopping bags, only to find my luggage piled up in the lobby. “What’s going on?” I demanded coldly. The front desk staff awkwardly explained, “Miss Blair, your card… it’s been declined. According to hotel policy…” My phone vibrated right on cue. A message from Robert popped up: 【Since you want to cut ties, don’t use my cards. I’ve frozen all your accounts.】 I stared at the screen for a long time, so long my eyes started to sting. Finally, I just replied with two words: 【Fine.】 I dragged my suitcase and walked down the street. My flight was at the end of the month. I couldn’t go anywhere now. Where would I live for the next two weeks? What would I eat? What would I use? My suitcase was filled with my wedding dress and dowry, not a single item could be sold. As for borrowing money… I’d rather sleep on the street than humble myself to those in my circle who were waiting to laugh at me. A nearby park bench was barely enough to lie on. I had just set down my luggage when a drunken man approached me. “Hey, beautiful, all alone?” “Get lost!” “Why so fierce? Come play with big brother…” As the man’s greasy hand reached for my shoulder, I raised my hand, ready to slap him— “Ah!!” A scream ripped through the air. Julian appeared out of nowhere, twisting the man’s wrist with a single swift motion. Before I could react, I was pulled into his car, along with my luggage. “Let go of me!” Julian gripped my flailing wrist. “What are you throwing a tantrum about now?” His voice was deep. “Homeless, and you still wouldn’t come to me?” That sentence made my nose sting. Whenever I’d fought with Robert and run away, Julian would always drive all over the city looking for me, then carry me back home on his back. “What are you throwing a tantrum about now?” He’d always say that then, too. I’d lie on his back, breathing in his crisp cedar scent, innocently believing he might have liked me just a little. Now that I thought about it— No one was more of a jerk than him! He didn’t like me, yet he slept with me. And after sleeping with me, he’d go back to his study and gaze lovingly at Willow’s photos. I didn’t understand what I lacked compared to Willow. In terms of family background, looks, or figure, how was I inferior to her? He could have liked anyone, but why Willow? Why her of all people? “Let go!” My eyes red-rimmed, I bit Julian’s hand hard. He frowned but said nothing, simply starting the car. Julian drove back to his villa, carrying my suitcase straight inside. “Same as before,” he said, unbuttoning his cuff, his tone brooking no argument. “Stay until you want to go home.” I stood in the entryway, my nails digging into my palms. “I’m only staying for two weeks. I’ll leave after that, I’ll pay you rent, and I won’t bother you again.” “Won’t bother me again?” Julian slowly raised his eyes to look at me, his gaze through his gold-rimmed glasses fathomless. “Can you actually do that?” His words pierced my heart like a knife, and my chest seized up in pain. He’d seen through me all along. He’d seen how I went from fierce opposition to needing him completely. I loved him terribly. And what about him? He kept his first love in his heart, yet watched me fall deeper into despair? “Willow…” I suddenly began. “She’s my stepmother’s daughter. Did you know?” Julian paused in untying his tie. “I only found out today.” After a long silence, I couldn’t help but ask, “What is your relationship with her?” “She’s a junior from school,” Julian said, pouring himself a glass of water and taking a slow sip. “We went to the same school, worked together in student government. Once, she saved me in a car accident. Afterward, her health wasn’t good, so she’s been recuperating abroad.” He looked at me, his eyes carrying a warning. “I know you have issues with your stepmother, but this has nothing to do with Willow. You don’t need to target her.” All my words caught in my throat. I had wanted to ask, “Do you love her?” But now, it just felt ridiculous. Given how he was defending her at every turn, what was the point of asking? I turned and went back to the guest room, slamming the door shut. That night, for the first time, Julian didn’t come looking for me. I lay on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. Right, his first love was back. Why would he still care about me? The next day, I deliberately slept until noon, hoping to avoid Julian. But when I opened the door, I found he was still home. He sat on the couch, gold-rimmed glasses perched on his high nose, flipping through a finance magazine. “Awake?” He didn’t even look up. “Aren’t you going to the office?” “It’s the weekend.” I mumbled an “oh,” grabbed some desserts from the fridge, and prepared to go back to my room. But Julian suddenly spoke. “Change your clothes. You’re coming to a party with me later.” I had intended to refuse, but then I reconsidered. Rather than being cooped up alone with Julian, it would be better to get some fresh air. So I changed and went with him. But once we arrived, I realized it was Willow’s welcome-back party. I turned to leave, but Willow enthusiastically linked her arm through mine. “Big sis, it’s so good you could come. Don’t fight with Mr. Sterling anymore. After you ran away, he was so worried he didn’t eat all day.” I sneered. “Oh, so you *do* know he’s just ‘Mr. Sterling’ to you? Then whether I run away or fight with him, what does that have to do with you? Do you live by the ocean? Mind your own business.” I shook off Willow’s hand and walked into the private room, catching a glimpse of her red eyes, looking wronged as she turned to Julian. Julian gave me a dark look, his eyes warning me, Then he gently ruffled Willow’s hair, whispering something that made her smile through her tears. My heart stung. I lowered my head and chugged a glass of champagne. The private room buzzed with laughter and clinking glasses. I sat in a corner, watching Julian, surrounded by people, yet his attention never wavered from Willow. He would unscrew her drink bottle before she even reached for it; he’d hand her a napkin the moment a drop of wine stained her dress; he even subtly adjusted the air conditioning when she let out a soft cough. These gentle, thoughtful gestures were something I had never received. Numbly, I downed another glass of wine, my heart feeling like it was being slowly flayed by a blunt knife, trembling with pain. For the past year, Julian and I had done nothing but sleep together. Even during our most passionate moments, I had never seen a hint of losing control on his face. “The bottle landed on Mr. Sterling!” Someone suddenly cheered. “Time for a dare!” The crowd chuckled, handing him a tablet. “They say Mr. Sterling is the most ascetic man in our circle, so we won’t make it hard for you. Just a quick two-choice question: say the name of the person who moves you the most.” The first set of photos showed a popular actress and Willow. Julian glanced at them and said without hesitation, “Willow.” The room erupted in cheers. Willow blushed and lowered her head, but a smile she couldn’t hide played on her lips. My nails dug into my palms. Set after set of photos flashed by, and each time, Julian chose Willow without a moment’s thought. I couldn’t bear to listen anymore and stood up to go to the restroom. Just two steps later, an even louder cheer erupted behind me. I turned around and saw photos of Willow and me displayed prominently on the tablet. “Whoa!” Everyone got excited. “This is interesting! Miss Blair is the most beautiful woman in our circle; those actresses don’t even compare! If Mr. Sterling still chooses Miss Willow, it really says something…” All eyes were on Julian. But Julian was uncharacteristically silent. I froze, my heart practically hammering out of my chest. Three seconds later, I heard Julian’s deep voice: “Willow.” My world crumbled in that instant. Amidst the booming cheers in the room, I stumbled into the restroom, turned on the faucet, and splashed cold water on my face, but it couldn’t extinguish the burning pain in my heart. After a long time, I looked up at myself in the mirror. The girl in the reflection was breathtakingly beautiful, but also utterly defeated. When I emerged from the restroom, the hallway lights were dim. As I rounded the corner, three or four drunken men blocked my path. “Hey, beautiful, wanna exchange SnapChat IDs?” The leader reeked of alcohol, reaching out to touch my face. “Get lost!” I recoiled violently, my back hitting the cold wall. “What’s with the high-and-mighty act?” Another man grabbed my wrist. “Dressing like that, aren’t you just asking for it?” As I struggled, my gaze pierced through the crowd and met Julian’s eyes at the entrance of the private room. I saw him frown, about to step forward, when Willow’s cry of pain suddenly echoed from behind him: “Ah!” “What’s wrong?” Julian immediately turned around. “I think I twisted my ankle…” Willow said, her eyes welling up with tears. “I’m fine, you go help big sis Blair first.” Julian knelt down to examine her ankle. “Don’t worry about her. She can handle herself.” His words pierced my heart like a knife. The thug’s hand was already on my waist, his disgusting alcoholic breath heavy on my face. “Come on, let’s have some fun, beautiful…” I grabbed a fruit knife from the decorative table in the hallway and *smashed* it against the wall! “Get out if you don’t want to die!” Glass shards cut my hand, and blood dripped from my fingertips. While the thugs were stunned, I quickly slipped away. The party dispersed, and I didn’t want to get into Julian’s car, so I stood by the roadside alone, waiting for a taxi. Willow approached, holding an umbrella, her high heels splashing in a puddle. “Big sis, don’t you have a car? I can give you a ride home?” I looked at the keys to a brand-new sports car in her hand and suddenly smiled. Robert was certainly generous, buying such a nice car for his stepdaughter. “No thanks.” My red lips curled into a bright, almost mocking smile. “I find riding in a mistress’s daughter’s car… dirty.” Willow’s face instantly darkened, finally dropping her pretense. She grabbed my wrist. “Blair! Say that again?” “Will saying it again change the fact that you’re a mistress’s daughter? Let go!” Amidst our struggle, blinding headlights suddenly illuminated us! I turned my head and saw an out-of-control car hurtling towards us. In a flash of lightning, I saw Julian rush forward, pulling Willow into his arms. And I, with a *thud*, was knocked to the ground!
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