Chapter 1

After returning to Brookshire, I never expected the first familiar face I'd see would be my former best friend, Anne Miller.

"Anne Miller, CEO of Miller Company, entered Brookshire’s top university at eighteen with outstanding grades. After graduation, she started from scratch and in just three years became one of the business world's rising stars..."

On the first floor of Westfield Building, a TV screen between two elevators continuously displayed the achievements of Brookshire’s business prodigy since she started her career.

In the three years since I'd seen her, she had shed that timid, insecure air of someone fresh from the countryside. Now, dressed in custom-tailored formal wear, she carried herself with newfound elegance.

Wealth truly transforms people.

Today was the bidding conference for Trada Corp's project in Brookshire. Reporters had been staking out the lobby since early morning.

I tried to mind my own business and ignore her, but she approached me anyway.

"Miss Turner, it really is you! I almost didn't recognize you," she said loudly. "Three years ago you suddenly went abroad. I thought you'd never come back!"

Anne's voice was so loud that even the reporters observing from a distance could hear every word clearly.

After she spoke, I could feel curious eyes turning toward me.

"...Turner family...eldest daughter..."

“Peterson Corporation…engagement…”

“..obsessed with…fiancé…”

Among those deliberately hushed voices, occasional fragments reached my ears.

I glanced at Anne, who pretended not to notice and continued: "You came back so suddenly without saying anything. Could it be because you heard..."

"Miss Turner, I'm sorry. I misspoke," she cut herself off, seemingly realizing her blunder. But her panicked apology was clearly meant to encourage further misunderstandings.

Some bold reporter had already shouted out, "We heard that Ben Turner, chief designer at Turner Jewelry, and Nelson Peterson, CEO of Peterson Corporation, are both planning to propose to you. Ms. Miller, is this true or false?"

"Ms. Miller, if both Mr. Turner and Mr. Peterson propose at the same time, who would you accept?"

Anne avoided answering directly, "Well... those are just internet rumors for now. I hope everyone can be rational about this. Besides, Ben and Nelson are both wonderful people. We're all good friends."

The elevator opened at that moment. She bowed slightly with a smile and said, "I'm sorry, but I need to go upstairs to prepare for my speech at the Trada Corp bidding conference."

She asked me politely, "Miss Turner, would you like to go upstairs together?"

I hesitated for just a moment, but when the reporters couldn't get answers from Anne, they immediately turned their attention to me.

"Miss Turner, we heard that before you went abroad, you were obsessed with the CEO of Peterson Corporation. Did you suddenly return because you heard Mr. Peterson plans to propose to Ms. Miller?"

"We heard Mr. Turner is your brother. Miss Turner, would you welcome Ms. Miller into your family?”

"If Mr. Peterson really proposes to Ms. Miller, what will you do? Try to stop it or give your blessing?"

Their eyes were hungry like wolves, their heavy breathing full of greed and urgency.

Most reporters don't care about the truth—they only want something sensational.

I knew if I didn't respond, within an hour, all kinds of speculation about why I returned would be all over the internet.

Thinking of someone who tends to get jealous easily, I waved to Anne.

"In that case, I'll go up first."

Before the elevator doors closed, Anne's lips curled into a mocking smile that only I could see.

I looked away and turned to face the reporters. Just as I was about to take out my invitation, an angry shout came from nearby.

"Linda Turner! Who said you could come here?

"Are you planning to steal Anne's projects again, like you did three years ago?"

The cameras turned toward the sound. My former fiancé, Nelson Peterson, was striding toward me on his long legs, fuming with anger.