Chapter 1

I took my down-on-his-luck rival, Carter Murray, home. Then, I made him do all sorts of chores for me every single day.

Not only did he have to do the chores, looking all pitiful, but I also teased him whenever I felt like it.

Watching Carter clench his jaw in embarrassment and anger was just way too satisfying for me.

But then, one day, I suddenly learned the truth.

It turned out Carter's family never went bankrupt at all. Was he just pretending to be broke the whole time?

*****

Carter Murray, once the rising star of the business world, had his family go bankrupt. And Carter just happened to be my sworn enemy.

That night, in the VIP section of a bar, a group of rich kids was gathered around Carter, who was wearing a faded, washed-out shirt.

Samuel Garcia, the young heir of the Garcia family, swirled his glass. His voice dripped with sarcasm. "Carter, I heard you had to mortgage your family's villa, huh?"

He mocked, "Why don't you come work as a security guard at my family's company? 1,500 dollars a month, room and board included."

Beth Vaughn, rocking a Chanel suit, chimed in softly, "Carter, I've always admired you. Just say the word, and I'll help you get back on your feet."

Carter lowered his gaze, staying silent. He just stared at that cheap lemonade in his hand.

His long fingers were clutching the glass, knuckles starting to turn white.

The lights flickered over his deep-set eyes, casting shadows along his straight nose. And his lips were drawn into a line.

The crowd kept getting bigger.

"Man, who would've thought Carter would fall this far? Guess what goes around really does come around."

"Seriously, Carter, why are you still acting like you're too good for us? Beth is being generous. Don't you see?"

"I heard his dad owes over a hundred million dollars. He's done for."

Beth wore a confident smile, just as she was about to touch Carter's arm.

But before she could, my voice cut straight through the blaring music. "Clear the way!"

In an instant, everyone turned to look at me. Everyone turned to look at me.

I strode over in my brand-new three-inch heels, dressed in a sharply tailored black suit dress. My chestnut curls shimmered under the lights, and my makeup was immaculate.

There was a clear look of impatience in my eyes.

Samuel arched an eyebrow at me and said, "Irene? You here to watch the drama too?"

I didn't even bother to respond and strode straight up to Carter.

I gave him a slow once-over, my red lips curving into a teasing smirk.

Then, with everyone watching, I reached out and pinched Carter's chin, tilting his head up to meet my gaze.

Our eyes met.

Carter's expression was clouded, impossible to read. But I flashed a dazzling smile.

"So, you all want to bully him, huh?" I said casually, sweeping my gaze around the room. "Too bad for you. He belongs to me now."

Beth's face twisted in annoyance. "What's that supposed to mean, Irene?"

I smirked. "What it means is..."

I released Carter's chin. I pulled out a thick wad of cash from my Hermès bag and slapped it onto the bar.

"This guy? He's mine now," I announced.

The bar went dead silent.

A few seconds later, Carter's Adam's apple bobbed as he finally spoke, his voice low and rough. "Irene, I don't need your handouts."

I arched an eyebrow, a hint of challenge in my gaze.

"Who said anything about charity?" I replied coolly.

I pulled out another wad of cash. "Three thousand dollars a day, all meals and a place to stay, plus..."

I leaned in, my lips almost brushing his ear, and spoke so only Carter could hear. "You'll be at my beck and call."

I let my warm breath tickle his ear.

Carter froze, his ears turning red so fast I could practically see it happen.

"You..." Carter muttered through clenched teeth, clearly flustered.

"Three seconds to decide," I said.

I held up three fingers, grinning slyly. "Three, two..."

Carter interrupted me. "Alright."

He dropped his gaze to the two stacks of cash, speaking quietly. "I'll go with you."

Instantly, the crowd of rich kids erupted into jeers and whistles.

Beth's face was livid, but I couldn't care less.

I grabbed Carter by the wrist and pulled him through the crowd, right out of there.

Once we stepped outside, the night air was cool and a little chilly.

Carter stopped in his tracks and asked, "Irene, what the hell do you want?"

I turned to face him. The streetlights cast a soft glow over my face.

I tilted my head, shooting Carter a mischievous look.

I teased, "What do you think? After all these years of being rivals, now that I've got you right where I want you, isn't it only fair I give you some extra 'special care'?"

I made sure he caught every bit of that teasing emphasis on "special care."

Carter's face darkened even more.

"Get in," I said, yanking open the door of my red Ferrari.

I raised an eyebrow at him. "Do you need a personal invitation or something?"

Carter was silent for a moment. Finally, he bent down and slid into the passenger seat.

My car sped off into the night.

I steered with one hand, propping my chin up with the other, sneaking glances at the silent Carter beside me every now and then.

I said lazily, "Let me make something clear first. If you're staying at my place, you gotta follow my rules.

"Rule number one. You're at my beck and call. Rule number two. What I say goes. And rule number three..."

I paused on purpose, letting the tension build.

When Carter finally looked over, I said slowly, "Don't mess with any women, especially Beth. Got it?"

Carter turned his head to look at me, frowning. "Why?"

I said without a hint of hesitation, "Because it bothers me. I'm paying you three thousand dollars a day, so of course you're mine. No one else's."