Chapter 3

I underestimated Carter's shamelessness, and I overestimated my father's love for me.

Less than thirty minutes after they left, my father, Richard Sterling, called.

The moment I answered, he started screaming.

"Madelyn! What the hell is wrong with you?! Do you have any idea how important tonight's engagement gala was for the company?"

His voice was dripping with fury, as if I were the one who had messed up, not his precious stepdaughter.

Holding the phone, I walked over to the window. My voice was as cold as the night wind.

"Dad, I didn't lose my mind. Carter embarrassed me in front of everyone, called off our engagement, and chose Chloe."

"What was I supposed to do? Smile, bless them, and let the world think the Sterling daughters are pushovers?"

Silence hung over the line for a few seconds.

Then, Richard's tone softened, playing the emotional card.

"Maddy, I know you feel wronged. But Carter was just confused. What man doesn't make mistakes? You two grew up together; the foundation is there. Just give him a way out, and this will all blow over."

"As for Chloe... she's your sister. Can't you just let her have this one?"

Let her have this one.

I had heard that phrase my entire life.

My heart turned to stone.

"Dad, you should actually be glad Carter chose Chloe."

Richard gasped. "What do you mean?"

"It means the alliance between the Sterlings and the Vances is still on. We've just swapped the bride."

Before he could respond, I hung up.

I knew he cared more about the business merger than my feelings.

But this time, he was wrong.

I wasn't leaving him a successful merger. I was leaving him a bomb that would blow the high society apart.

I looked at the text message from Dominic Blackwood's assistant. It contained an address and a time.

Tomorrow night, 7:00 PM. The Apex Club.

Perfect. Everything was going according to plan.