Chapter 1

Claire Aniston had been in love with Calvin Bennett for a decade. In all that time, he had blown hot and cold, but she never minded. She was certain that someday, he would see how much she truly cared.

That faith shattered on the night of their engagement party. Claire found him wrapped up with Iris Aniston.

"Once I marry Claire and get control of the shares, I'll divorce her and marry you," she heard him tell Iris.

So that was the truth. He wasn't just guarded—he didn't love her at all. Worse, he had been using her from the start.

With cold resolve, Claire went straight to the head of the Bennett family.

"Grandpa George, I've made up my mind. Calvin doesn't love me, and I won't force him into this. I'm not going to marry him."

The old man was shocked. "But…you've loved him all these years. Did he do something wrong? Don't worry, you will always be the one I want for my grandson."

"Grandpa George, the wedding date doesn't need to change. I will still marry into the Bennett family—but I'm choosing a different groom.

"On the day of the wedding, seven days from now, I will draw lots among all the eligible male heirs of the Bennett family. Whoever is chosen will become my husband."

After all, things couldn't possibly get any worse.

Chapter 1

That year, Claire Aniston's parents died in a car accident. Soon after, the Aniston family went bankrupt, and Claire's grandfather suffered such a shock that he was rushed to the ICU.

Before he passed, he entrusted his network, his resources, and his only granddaughter, Claire, to George Bennett, a man who had once shared a life-or-death bond with him.

Afterward, George took Claire back to the Bennett family and made a solemn vow: she could choose any descendant of the Bennett family as her spouse.

But Claire stubbornly fell for Calvin, the illegitimate son. Although Calvin always treated her with indifference, her persistence finally paid off—he eventually agreed to marry her.

The engagement party that evening was dazzling, crowded with the city's most prominent families.

After chatting with several young women of high society, Claire realized she hadn't seen Calvin. She went upstairs to find him, but as she passed his room, a sound stopped her in her tracks—an intimate, unmistakable sound that made her cheeks burn.

Frozen, she slowly pushed open the door, only to witness a scene that stole her breath.

Calvin, shirtless, was bent over a woman.

The woman clung to him, gasping, her arms wrapped around his neck. "Calvin, I love you so much."

Calvin's movements grew more intense.

"I love you too, Iris. Even if I marry Claire, I won't touch her. You must understand… I'm marrying her only for you. As long as you get to live in this house, I'll see you every day."

Claire's body trembled uncontrollably.

She could not believe it—her fiancé was involved with her half-sister. And today, of all days, it was their engagement party!

She had known Calvin didn't love her, but she had stubbornly believed it was only because of his cold nature—that once married, he would eventually love her.

Now she realized the truth. Her devotion had been a cruel joke.

Calvin had loved Iris, the illegitimate daughter, all along. The day her parents died, Iris had been sent to the Bennett household. Though her origins were shameful, Claire had pitied her, renting her a place to live and raising her without worry. She had never imagined that this sister would one day seduce the man she loved most.

And Calvin's agreement to marry? It had only been to legitimize Iris's entry into the Bennett family.

Claire finally understood: no matter what she did, Calvin would never spare her a glance. Illegitimate son and illegitimate daughter—they were a perfect match. It was time for her to step aside.

Claire pressed a hand to her lips, stifling a sound, as tears streamed relentlessly. Her steps wavered. Her mind was blank, and she didn't even realize how she had made her way downstairs.

Inside the bedroom, Iris Aniston watched Claire leave, a smile curling at her lips. Her goal at the Bennett house wasn't just to take Calvin—she wanted everything Claire had. It was what the Aniston family owed her.

Claire stumbled down the stairs and collided with George.

Seeing her tear-streaked face, the old man grew anxious. "Claire, why are you crying? Did Calvin upset you?"

Claire's eyes, still red from crying, met his. "Grandpa George, my mind's made up. Calvin doesn't love me, and I won't force him. I'm not marrying him."

George was stunned. "But you've loved Calvin all these years. I let you pick from all the Bennett heirs, and you chose him. I poured resources into him—his business, his future—all so your life would be secure… and now this?"

Claire shook her head, tears falling. "He's in love with someone else. A forced marriage wouldn't make anyone happy."

"Don't cry, sweetheart. If not him, then we'll find you another from the family…"

"Fine. Change the groom—but keep the wedding date."

George had always indulged her; she could have whatever she wanted.

"Have you picked someone?" he asked.

"I'll draw lots," Claire said, her heart numb. She didn't care who she married anymore.

George frowned. "A lottery? Leaving your marriage to chance… isn't that too reckless?"

"Grandpa George, every eligible Bennett is more than suitable. No matter who I marry, I won't be settling, right?"

"Alright," George finally nodded. "As long as you're happy, Claire."

Claire wiped her tears. "Then in seven days, on the original wedding date, we'll hold the draw. Whoever is chosen will marry me."

"Claire, as long as this is what you want, I'll always treat you like my own granddaughter. I just want you to be happy."

Claire nodded, her eyes glistening. "Thank you, Grandpa George."

She would go through with the wedding—but she would not be marrying the groom she once chose.

Chapter 2

After leaving the Bennett family estate, Claire returned to Calvin's private villa.

Whenever he didn't stay at the family estate, Calvin lived here. Under George's arrangement, Claire had moved in three months ago to give them a chance to grow closer.

But three months had passed, and she had barely seen him.

No sooner had Claire returned than Calvin arrived—this time with Iris.

He explained that Iris's residence had caught fire and she had nowhere else to go, so she would be staying temporarily.

Claire ignored them both and went to the garden to feed the two black swans in the pond.

She had raised them herself. Calvin disliked pets, so she had no choice but to keep these two black swans in the yard. As she contemplated how she would take them with her when she left, a mocking voice drifted from behind.

"Claire, still awake feeding swans at this hour? Such leisure, huh?"

Her hand froze mid-feed. Claire turned and saw Iris.

She had changed into matching couple pajamas like Calvin's, the sash loosely tied, arching an eyebrow at her with the self-assured air of a lady of the house.

Claire squinted, noticing the marks on her skin—kisses tracing from her chest to her neck.

"You're not asleep either."

"Nope, just finished being busy with Calvin, so I came out to rest." Iris stepped closer, smiling. "Claire, you saw everything at the engagement party today, didn't you?"

Claire's brow furrowed, her expression darkening.

"What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing. It's just… Calvin doesn't seem to like you very much. And yet, you're going to marry him? Aren't you afraid of ending up a lonely wife?"

Looking at Iris's innocent but infuriating smile, Claire felt an immediate wave of regret. She shouldn't have taken in this half-sister after their parents died, soft-heartedly giving her a home when she had nowhere else to go.

She had thought Iris was just a sweet, naive girl. She hadn't realized how wrong she was.

"So I won't marry him. You want him instead?"

Iris's eyes lit up. "Really?"

"Even if I agreed to it, the Bennett family would never approve of you marrying in. Who do you think you are? Just an illegitimate daughter!"

Claire didn't want to waste words. She turned to leave, but Iris called after her.

"Claire, don't get too cocky! Look at this!"

Claire froze. Iris held the emerald pendant.

It had been left to her by her grandfather before he passed, a family heirloom passed down for generations. Her grandfather had told her to give it to Calvin on her wedding day. But she had given it to him the day she moved in, hoping it would protect him.

And now it was in Iris's hands.

Claire's face darkened. "Give it back!"

"I would, but Calvin said it would keep me safe, so he gave it to me. After all, it's also my grandfather's, so it's only fair I have it. Oh—my hand's numb…"

Before she could finish, Iris flung the pendant into the pond.

"Iris!"

Rage flared in Claire. She prepared to jump in after it, but before she could, a splash rang out—Iris had fallen into the water.

"Ah! Help! I can't swim! Claire, save me!"

"Iris!"

Calvin's voice rang behind her. Before Claire could react, he pushed her aside and dove into the water, rescuing Iris.

"Iris, are you okay?"

Iris clung to him, pitiful. "I'm fine, Calvin. Don't blame Claire. She didn't mean to push me. It's my fault—I dropped the pendant you gave me this morning, and Claire made me jump in to get it!"

She sobbed in a torrent, and Calvin's eyes turned icy as they swept over Claire.

"What were you thinking? You knew she couldn't swim and made her jump in! Were you trying to get her killed?"

Claire was still on the ground, her palm grazed and bleeding from Calvin's forceful push. The pain shot through her, but she slowly raised her eyes to him, full of disappointment.

"Calvin, that pendant was left to me by my grandfather. How could you give it to someone else?"

Calvin's gaze was cold. "Iris was hurt a few days ago, so I gave it to her. Besides, she isn't really an outsider. She's part of the Aniston family too."

Claire snorted. "An illegitimate daughter at that. If I hadn't acknowledged her, she wouldn't even deserve the Aniston name!"

"Claire, how can you be so cruel? Iris is your sister! And I'm an illegitimate son myself. If you despise illegitimate children, why marry me?"

A bitter laugh escaped Claire as she struggled to her feet. "What if I told you I don't want to marry you anymore? As you wish—we can cancel the engagement."

"Don't try that on me. Playing hard to get won't work. I agreed to marry you, and I will. But apart from the wedding, I can give you nothing else. You chose me only because I'm the most capable of the Bennett family, didn't you?"

"The most capable?" Claire almost laughed.

He didn't realize that everything he had—his position, his power—was because of her. Without Claire, George would never have paid him a second glance.

"I hope, seven days from now, you can still say that."

With that, she turned and left without looking back.

Watching her retreating figure, Calvin frowned. She had refused to cancel the engagement so many times before—what had changed today?

"Calvin, Claire says she wants to cancel the engagement… could it be true? Should I have never moved in? It's all my fault. If I weren't an illegitimate daughter, I could be openly with you. I've never expected anything in return—I just wanted to stay by your side."

"Please," Calvin scoffed, pulling her closer. "If she actually goes through with it, I wouldn't complain. But I know her better than that—she won't. Don't worry about it. I've told you, I won't let you down."

From the hallway, Claire heard every word, but she only shook her head in bitter silence. All those years… she'd been loving the wrong man.

Chapter 3

After returning to her room, Claire couldn't sleep. The sounds from the next room—Iris's unrestrained moans—kept her awake all night.

She had no idea Calvin was capable of such intensity. Even when she had tried everything she could, he had never touched her.

The next morning, Claire washed up and went downstairs. She saw Calvin in the kitchen, apron on, cooking. Iris hovered by his side, feeding him oranges and wiping his sweat.

Watching them, her chest ached without warning.

Since moving in, Claire had prepared every meal for him. Calvin could cook, yet on her birthday, he hadn't even served her something simple. But for Iris, his obsessive cleanliness apparently didn't matter—he was willing to cook.

Claire lingered at the top of the stairs, frozen, until her phone rang.

"Grandpa George," she answered.

"Claire, with the wedding approaching, I'll transfer some money to you so you can buy anything you need for the wedding."

"But I only want to buy a wedding dress…"

Before she could finish, her phone pinged again.

"Ten million dollars has been deposited into your account."

Claire froze. She hadn't expected George to be so generous.

"Thank you, Grandpa George," she said, hanging up.

She prepared to leave the villa.

"Claire, Calvin made breakfast. Want to eat together?" Iris saw her and smiled, inviting her.

Calvin's voice was cold. "If you want to eat, come sit."

Claire ignored them and stepped out.

At the bridal shop, she began searching for a dress she liked. Just as she picked out one that seemed suitable, she ran into Calvin, Iris, and his group of friends.

Calvin's face darkened at the sight of her.

"What are you doing here?"

Before Claire could answer, his friends started chattering.

"Calvin, didn't Claire say she wanted to cancel the engagement? Why is she here picking out a wedding dress?"

"Do you really believe what she says? She's been after Calvin for years. She's finally getting married—there's no way she'd cancel now."

"Maybe she's here secretly because she knew you'd be taking wedding photos with Iris today."

Claire suddenly understood. Calvin was accompanying Iris for wedding photos.

She almost laughed.

A month before the wedding, she had begged Calvin to take a wedding photo session with her—but he refused, mocking her. He had said if she wanted photos, she should Photoshop them herself. He would never take them with her.

And now here he was, taking Iris for wedding photos.

"Claire, don't misunderstand. I've never taken wedding photos before. Calvin just said we should do it for a keepsake," Iris explained, taking Claire's hand. "Don't worry, Claire, I won't ruin your wedding."

Her words were humble, but Calvin pulled her into his arms.

"No need to ask her. I promised you: I'll only ever take wedding photos with you. Even if I marry her, I won't take a single photo with her."

His words stabbed Claire like a knife to the heart.

She should have hurt. Instead, she lowered her head and smiled.

"You two can take as many photos as you want. It has nothing to do with me."

She turned to a shop assistant. "I'll take this dress. Wrap it up for me."

"Calvin, what if I like this dress too?" Iris asked.

Without hesitation, Calvin handed a card to the clerk. "Charge it."

"Calvin, I saw it first!" Claire frowned, her face darkening. Why did Iris have to snatch everything she liked? Even the wedding dress?

"Claire, are you deliberately making Iris unhappy? I've already said I'll marry you. Iris just wants some wedding photos—isn't that enough?"

"She can take all the photos she wants. Calvin, I'll say it again: I won't marry you!"

"Really?"

Iris could hardly believe it.

Claire sneered. "Yes. I'll let you have your match—illegitimate son and illegitimate daughter, you're both made for each other."

"You! Shut up!" Calvin raised his hand, aiming for a slap.

Claire's gaze froze, icy. "Go ahead. If you have the guts, hit me."

"I don't hit women," he said.

"Really? You missed your chance today. Hope you don't regret it."

With that, Claire turned and walked away, leaving everyone speechless.

"Was she serious?"

"Of course not. Otherwise, why come here to pick a wedding dress? She still wants to marry Calvin."

"Calvin, shouldn't you call to check?"

Calvin frowned and called the family estate. The butler answered.

"Gregory, is the engagement between the Bennett and Aniston families still on?"

"Yes, Sir. Of course, it's on. Your grandfather has arranged everything. All that's left is bringing Miss Aniston here on the day."

"Hmph." Calvin hung up. "Just as I thought. She lied. She's loved me for so many years… Now that she's finally about to marry me, there's no way she'd cancel the engagement."

Iris clung to him. "It's okay, Calvin. I'm happy to take the photos. Nothing else matters."

"Let's finish these photos quickly, before Claire comes back and causes trouble."

His friends urged them on. It took the entire day to finish all the shots.

Chapter 4

Claire went to another shop and picked out a wedding dress she somewhat liked.

The first thing she did upon returning to the villa was pack her luggage.

Once she finished, she noticed a post from Calvin's friend on social media.

[Congratulations to the happy couple.]

The post was a nine-grid collage of Calvin and Iris's wedding photos—three different outfits, three different scenes.

The constant, however, was Calvin's smile and the way he looked at Iris. After all these years, Claire had never seen that expression directed at her.

She silently tapped "like." Then, after storing her suitcase, she went to a real estate office.

Since she was moving out of the villa, she needed a new place to prepare as a bridal home. Her mother had always said she wanted to see her get married with her own eyes.

Claire fell in love with a fully furnished apartment that had a garden—and a pond, perfect for her two black swans. She swiped her card and bought it, then stopped by a mall to pick up some decorations for the wedding suite.

She spent the entire night arranging everything by herself until the bridal home was finally complete.

When she finished, she placed a photo of her mother on the cabinet.

"Mom, don't worry about me. I'll be happy, I promise."

The next morning, Claire returned to the villa. She was lucky—Calvin and Iris weren't there.

She went to the yard, had the two swans taken away, and ordered the servants to drain the pond.

"Miss, wasn't this pond built at your request? You even said one swan for you, one for Sir…"

"Drain it," Claire said calmly. "My pendant fell in. I need to find it."

It took five hours for the pump to empty the small pond. Claire recovered her grandfather's emerald pendant, wiped it clean, and left with her luggage.

The servants panicked when they saw her leaving.

"Miss Aniston, where are you going? In a few days, you're supposed to marry Sir! Why are you suddenly leaving?"

"I'm not marrying Calvin," she said, walking away without looking back.

She moved into the apartment she had bought, staring at the fully decorated wedding suite with a hollow feeling in her chest. She was about to go to the supermarket to stock the fridge when the doorbell rang incessantly.

Claire opened the door to find a scowling Calvin, a teary-eyed Iris, and a few of his smug friends crowding the hallway.

She frowned. "What are you all doing here?"

"See, Calvin? We were right!" one friend jeered. "She really did buy a secret bridal home. She wants to get married from here!"

"And she's already decorated it!" another chimed in. "And she says she won't marry you? What a load of crap!"

"Bet she disappeared these last few days just to make you come crawling to pick her up on the wedding day."

Calvin's friends looked Claire up and down, their scorn plain.

"Seriously, Calvin doesn't even like you. Marrying you is already doing you a favor. And you think you get to make some grand exit? Your demands are ridiculous."

It was true—Claire had considered it. With the Aniston family home gone, she had nowhere else. If she were to marry Calvin, she needed a wedding suite, a place to leave from.

But now, she'd only decorated this place so her late mother could see it.

Calvin's gaze swept the room, sharp and cold as ice.

"Did I give you permission to decorate? I told you not to touch a thing at home, and you went behind my back, moved out, and did all this?"

"Claire, you really didn't have to go this far," Iris spoke up, her eyes welling. "I thought you were really stepping aside for me, but you were just setting me up."

Their voices buzzed in Claire's ears, worsening her headache. "Get out. This is my house."

Calvin grabbed her wrist, his grip tight. "Claire, don't you feel pathetic? What's the point of all this? You think I'd actually come here to pick you up? I already told you—on the wedding day, you go alone. I'm not coming."

"Let go of me!" Claire wrenched her arm free, anger rising hot in her chest. "Calvin, you don't have the right to pick me up! The man I'm marrying isn't even you—"

"Still putting on an act?" he cut her off, voice dangerous. "Want me to smash every last thing in here?"

Claire's breath caught in panic. "Don't you dare, Calvin!"

Chapter 5

Calvin sneered. "Why wouldn't I dare? You used my card to buy a house. This house is mine! I can do whatever I want with it!"

"I didn't use your card! I bought this house myself!"

"You have money?" Calvin glared at her. "Your family went bankrupt long ago. Where would you get the money for a house? Even if you somehow had it, it would still be from the Bennett family!"

"Exactly. Claire, Calvin has treated you well all these years."

His friends chimed in one after another, while Iris wailed even louder. "Calvin, don't pressure Claire! She just wants to have a grand wedding!"

Before she could finish, Calvin drew a deep breath. "Fine, I won't smash it. But you're leaving. Now. Claire, my patience with you has run out."

"Calvin, this house is mine! I didn't use your credit card!"

"Throw her luggage out."

Calvin didn't even wait for a response. His friends immediately started tossing Claire's bags outside.

Watching her carefully packed home being destroyed piece by piece, Claire finally broke.

"Calvin! Stop! Or I'll call the police!"

"Police? Let's see if they dare to interfere!"

He was right. The Bennett family wielded immense power; even if the police came, they might not be able to touch him.

She could only watch as they threw all her belongings to the ground, and with it, the last shred of love she had for him vanished completely.

"And this!"

Iris grabbed her mother's photograph and hurled it against the wall.

Shards of glass and broken frames scattered across the floor. Claire's eyes turned red with fury as she clutched Iris by the throat.

"Who allowed you to touch my mom's photo?!"

"Cough! Cough! You're crazy—Calvin, help me!"

Iris gasped for air, turning to Calvin for rescue.

Without hesitation, Calvin shoved her away. "Claire, let go! Or I'll kill you!"

Claire's head slammed against the wall. Blood trickled down her forehead.

She met his furious gaze with an icy smile. “You'd better keep a close eye on your little mistress. Otherwise… I might just kill her too.”

“I've never seen anyone so heartless!” he snarled, pulling Iris protectively against him. “Claire, if you just leave Iris alone, I'll give you the title of my wife. But my life with her is none of your business. Get rid of those feelings that don't belong to you—otherwise, our friendship of over ten years is over.”

His friends shut the door behind them, took Claire's keys, and left in a loud, arrogant procession.

As they walked away, Iris flashed her a triumphant smirk.

Alone, Claire sank to her knees in the doorway, helplessly gathering the shattered pieces of her mother's photograph.

“Mom… I'm so sorry. My life is such a mess right now. But don't worry. Once I'm married, no one will ever bully me again.”

She picked up her scattered luggage and left the apartment.

A light rain fell from the overcast sky as she walked, watching people hurry past. She tried calling Grandpa George, but after several unanswered calls to the Bennett family, she had no choice but to spend the night sitting on the curb.

As darkness settled, she finally decided to look for a hotel.

But just a few steps away, a group of rough-looking men emerged from an alley.

Their eyes locked onto her.

“Well, look what we have here,” the leader said, his gaze sweeping over Claire's face and figure. “Not bad at all. Lost money tonight, but seems we might get lucky in other ways.”

They moved toward her. Without hesitation, Claire dropped her suitcase, clutched her mother's photo to her chest, and ran as fast as she could.

Wasn't today already bad enough? Why was this happening, too?

“Hey! She's running! After her!”

Their menacing shouts followed her through the rain. Claire ran desperately, the downpour soaking her hair and clothes.

A car sped toward her.

The screech of tires pierced the night before the impact sent her crashing violently to the ground.

Chapter 6

"What's the matter?"

In the back of the black Maybach, a man of almost surreal features sat in silence, turning the pages of a magazine without looking up.

The driver's voice trembled slightly. "Sir… I believe we may have struck someone."

"Go and check if they're alive."

The driver grabbed an umbrella and hurried out of the car.

Through the sheets of rain, he saw a woman lying on the ground. She was curled up, perilously close to the tires. One more foot, and it would have been a tragedy.

"Miss! Are you okay?"

The driver crouched down, taking in the sight of the utterly drenched young woman.

Her hair was stuck to her pallid face, her slender frame shaking violently in the torrential rain—she looked like she could barely hold herself up.

"Help me!"

Claire lifted her head, the headlights blinding her. She could see nothing clearly, but with all her remaining strength, she reached out and clutched the driver's pant leg.

"Please… save me!"

She couldn't die. Not yet. She had revenge to take. Iris and Calvin had to pay.

"There she is!"

A low, rough shout came from behind, followed by the pounding footsteps of several men rushing toward them.

"Help me!"

The disturbance outside finally drew Jordan Bennett's attention. He glanced through the window.

Through the rain-streaked glass, he saw several men surrounding a woman. They had hauled her up, leaving her helpless—a lamb awaiting slaughter.

He had only meant to look. He had no intention of intervening.

But when the woman turned her face slightly in his direction, his brows drew sharply together.

He opened his umbrella and stepped out of the car. Long, deliberate strides carried him toward the commotion.

"Sir… they—" the driver began.

"Let her go."

His voice was ice, cutting through the din of the rain. Claire squinted, straining to make him out, but the downpour rendered his features an indistinct blur.

"Please… save me," she pleaded again.

The rain-diffused light fell clearly on her face.

Jordan's grip on the umbrella handle tightened imperceptibly. Then, his voice dropped, low and commanding. "I said… let her go."

"Who the hell do you think you are?" one of the thugs sneered, stepping forward to shove him.

Jordan turned, and with a swift motion, the man was sent sprawling into a deep puddle with a heavy splash.

The others, stunned by his speed and precision, hesitated.

"Get him! All of you, now!"

One by one, they fell. Jordan dispatched them with effortless, brutal efficiency.

Their leader, seeing the situation, immediately released Claire and scrambled away in a panic.

"Claire… can you hear me?"

Jordan bent down and gathered her into his arms.

The years had changed her—she had grown, matured into her features.

Her eyes remained closed, long lashes quivering faintly, like the delicate wings of a trapped butterfly.

"Don't touch me…" The girl shivered violently in his embrace.

A frown etched itself between Jordan's brows. Something long dormant within his chest seemed to fracture and stir.

Even the driver had recognized her. "Oh, isn't this the Aniston girl? The one who's causing a stir by choosing a groom by lottery? Master George said she could pick from any eligible heir in the Bennett family."

"Hm." Jordan raised an eyebrow. "And Calvin doesn't want her?"

"That's the rumor, sir. He's apparently involved with Claire's half-sister… the illegitimate Aniston daughter."

"Ha." A cold, humorless smile touched Jordan's lips. "My… nephew has remarkably poor taste. To spurn the woman who pursued him for years in favor of an illegitimate child."

He didn't like her. Fine.

Jordan did.

If he hadn't heard she was resorting to a marital lottery, he wouldn't have returned at all.

Chapter 7

Claire bolted upright in bed, gasping, the phantom weight of those men still clinging to her skin. Fear coiled in her chest, her heart hammering against her ribs.

"You're awake?"

A stranger's voice sounded beside her. Claire looked up just as a man stepped out of the bathroom.

He was shirtless, his physique so flawlessly defined it looked sculpted—broad shoulders, a tapered waist, every muscle taut with restrained power. A towel hung low on his hips, the deep V-line of his abdomen on full display. The sight was effortlessly, devastatingly masculine.

Heat flooded her cheeks. She yanked the blanket up to her chin, panic tightening her throat. "Who are you? Where am I?"

"You don't remember?" The man raised a brow. "This is the Bennett estate. Take a guess."

"You're… Calvin's uncle. Jordan?"

A hazy memory surfaced. They'd lived under the same roof briefly when she was a child, before he'd left for overseas. She hadn't seen him since.

"Hm. Not bad." He gave a slight, approving nod. "I hear you're trading up from Calvin. Had enough of him?"

Claire looked down, her voice quiet but firm. "Yes. I refuse to be a stepping stone for him and Iris."

Jordan's eyebrow arched higher. "When did the boy go blind?"

His tone softened, almost imperceptibly. "Don't waste your sadness on him. You can do far better. I'm looking forward to the wedding."

He reached out, ruffling her hair with a casual familiarity before turning back to the bathroom. He emerged moments later, fully dressed, and left the room without another word.

Watching him go, Claire felt an inexplicable flutter in her chest.

Not long after, George hurried in, worry etched on his face.

"Claire, my dear! Are you alright? What happened? Did that grandson of mine upset you again?"

"I'm fine, Grandpa George," she assured him. "Would it be possible for me to stay here at the estate for a few days?"

"Of course, of course! You rest. I'll handle everything else."

She reached out, stopping him gently. "Grandpa George… please, don't tell Calvin I'm here."

"You have my word," he promised.

…

Meanwhile, across town, Iris had woken screaming from a nightmare that night and wept uncontrollably. Calvin rushed her to the hospital and spent two full days calming her, barely leaving her side.

It wasn't until the eve of the wedding that Calvin realized he hadn't heard a word from Claire in all that time.

Returning home, he questioned the staff, only to learn she hadn't been back once.

"Calvin, I'm so sorry," Iris wept, burying her face in his chest. "If it weren't for me, Claire wouldn't have run away. The wedding is tomorrow… what are you going to do?"

"Good riddance," Calvin said coldly.

He pulled her closer. "You've suffered in the shadows long enough, Iris. All so you could someday stand openly by my side in this family."

"It's okay," she whispered, the picture of devotion. "I'll stay quietly with you. I'll be the woman behind you. It's just… Claire keeps trying to hurt me. I don't know how much more I can take."

Iris dissolved into fresh sobs. Calvin held her, his voice low and reassuring. "Once I have full control of the Bennett empire, once the power is truly mine, I'll divorce Claire. Not even Grandpa will be able to stop me then."

"I believe you," Iris murmured. "I'll wait for you."

She rose on her toes and kissed him first.

Calvin's restraint shattered. He took her, again and again, losing himself in the promise of a future he was determined to seize.

…

Back at the Bennett family estate, Claire's phone buzzed with a series of messages from Iris. Attached was a video.

It showed Iris and Calvin, entangled in his bed.

Iris: [Claire, so sorry—your fiancé is in my bed right now. He's incredible. He's had me so many times.]

Iris: [I wonder… on your wedding night tomorrow, will he be in my room, or yours?]

Iris: [So what if you marry him? He's always loved me! Claire, why do you get to be the cherished Aniston heiress while I'm the shameful secret? Even with your family ruined, George still dotes on you! I'm taking everything from you. Everything. Including Calvin.]

Reading the messages one by one, Claire typed a simple reply: [So you don't love him. You just want to win against me.]

Iris: [Yes! I'm stealing him from you! I want you to hurt! I want you to regret ever crossing me!]

A faint, cold smile touched the corner of Claire's mouth.

Perfect.

That was exactly the confession she needed.

She printed out every single message. Tomorrow, she would give Calvin a surprise he'd never forget.

Chapter 8

The next morning, Calvin put on his tuxedo and, flanked by his friends, headed to the hotel.

Iris cried the whole way. Calvin couldn't stand to see her upset, so he let her ride with him in the lead car.

When they arrived, Calvin was met with a crowd of relatives he hadn't seen in years.

Every one of them was a rising star in the Bennett family, people whose names he knew well. Some had once looked down on him for being born out of wedlock, but now they were all here. Calvin turned to his friends with a smug smirk.

"See this? Every Bennett who ever sneered at me is here. They've heard I'm on the rise and now they want to get close. They're all dressed up, trying to look important.

"Where's Claire? Why isn't she here yet?"

No sooner had he spoken than the young elites milling near the entrance began flowing into the hotel lobby. Not one of them even glanced his way.

"Come on, the draw's about to start!"

"I hope I get picked! It'd save our branch of the family!"

"To marry Claire and get a massive reward? Who wouldn't want that?"

Calvin watched the crowd pushing forward, then snagged one man by the arm. "What's going on? What draw?"

"You haven't heard?" the man said, looking at him curiously. "Your ex-fiancée, Claire, is inside holding a lottery to choose a husband. Whoever's name she draws, she marries."

"What?"

Calvin could hardly believe his ears. "A marriage lottery? Has she lost her mind? She's my fiancée—who else would she want?"

"You're joking, right? She called off the engagement and made a public announcement. Didn't you get the memo? Every eligible Bennett man is in the running… except you. You're out."

Calvin stood frozen, a cold dread seeping into his veins.

"That's impossible… She wouldn't."

He shoved his way into the hotel lobby, rage speeding his steps.

On the stage stood Claire, poised and serene, with George at her side.

"Welcome, everyone, to the union of the Aniston and Bennett families. Today's ceremony will be a bit unconventional," George announced. "Claire has decided to select her husband by lot from among the eligible Bennett men present. Anyone within a suitable age range may participate. Your names are already in the box. Whomever she draws will be today's groom. Furthermore, to celebrate Claire's marriage, I have decided: the man she marries will receive twenty percent of the Bennett Group's shares!"

"Twenty percent?"

Calvin saw red. He had spent years currying favor with his grandfather—and had been granted a mere five percent! And now, marrying Claire came with twenty?

"No, Grandpa! What is this? A lottery? I'm Claire's fiancé! Why a lottery?"

He tried to charge the stage but was held back by attendants.

Claire lifted her gaze, her expression cool and detached, and looked directly at him.

"Calvin, I told you. Our engagement is over. The man I marry today will not be you."

Seeing her utter indifference, Calvin's fury exploded. "Claire, what game are you playing? I'm right here! If you're not marrying me, then who? You've been obsessed with me for ten years. I don't believe for a second you'll marry anyone else!"

"Enough! You forfeited your right to speak! You had your chance and you threw it away. Since you don't want the Bennett shares, they'll go to someone who does!"

George's voice boomed through the hall. Calvin gritted his teeth, frustration boiling inside him. He didn't want Claire—but he desperately wanted those shares.

"Proceed, Claire," George commanded.

Below, Calvin's friends muttered among themselves, still in denial.

"Go on, draw! Let's see what stunt she's pulling."

"I bet the box only has Calvin's name in it."

"She's been in love with him for a decade. She could never marry anyone else."

Ignoring them, Claire reached into the ornate lottery box and drew a single bamboo slip without hesitation.

The entire room held its breath.

She looked down at the name inscribed on it.

Jordan.

Her hand stilled. Jordan? That was impossible. How could his name be in there?

George blinked, equally surprised. The draw was supposed to be for the younger generation. How had his own son's name gotten into the mix?

Below the stage, a man in a impeccably tailored suit sat with elegant composure, a faint smile on his lips.

Today's groom was never going to be anyone else.

It was always going to be him.