Chapter 1

Before today, I always thought my fiancé, Samuel Sterling's new assistant, Grace Keane, was absolutely perfect.

Whenever Samuel and I went out, she'd send me all the restaurant details ahead of time to confirm.

For holidays, she'd send me a list of gift options to pick from.

Grace would even stock Samuel's car with my favorite brand of pads whenever my period was coming up.

On Samuel's birthday, I went to his office to pick him up after work and celebrate.

Grace shoved me out of the elevator.

She said, "Ms. Quinn, don't you have anything better to do? Always acting like you're obsessed with your man makes you look pretty desperate."

I laughed out of sheer anger.

I demanded an explanation from Samuel, but he brushed it off.

Samuel said, "She's serious about her job and knows how to keep things professional. Don't take it so personally."

I was left speechless.

I turned around, pulled out my phone, and texted my dad.

[Dad, pull the 2 billion dollar investment from the Sterling family. Let's keep business and personal matters separate.]

Honestly, spending money on a guy was pretty degrading.

*****

It was Samuel's birthday.

I showed up at his office with a homemade birthday cake, hoping to surprise him after work.

But things took an unexpected turn.

I barely stepped into the elevator before someone pushed me right back out.

Samuel's new assistant, Grace, was dressed in a sleek business outfit.

She addressed me in an aloof, all-business tone. "Sorry, this is Mr. Sterling's private elevator. Unless you've got special permission, you're not allowed in."

As soon as she finished, everyone in the elevator lobby turned to look at me.

I felt a bit embarrassed and was about to explain myself.

But then Grace glanced at her planner and went on. "Ms. Quinn, I know you're Mr. Sterling's fiancée, but he's not scheduled to meet you today.

"Everyone needs to schedule with me at least 48 hours ahead for approval if they want to see Mr. Sterling.

"This is a new company rule, so I hope you can understand."

I couldn't believe it and froze on the spot.

With clients and employees watching, I didn't want to cause a scene.

I took out my phone, ready to call Samuel directly.

But then Grace spoke up again. "And that birthday cake you're holding? It's basically unidentified outside food loaded with sugar and calories, so you can't bring it into the office.

"Company policy says you'll have to leave it at the front desk and get a claim ticket. You can pick it up when you leave."

I was left utterly speechless by the way she handled everything.

Before I could process what was happening, Grace coldly summoned the receptionist. "You messed up. That's a $200 deduction. Next time, do your job and don't let unauthorized people wander in."

I couldn't take it anymore and snapped, "Ms. Keane, aren't you being a little much? I'm Samuel's fiancée; are you telling me I can't come see him at his own company?"

The receptionist was on the verge of tears. "Right, Ms. Keane, everyone in the company knows Ms. Quinn. I can't stop her from coming in."

Grace's expression didn't budge. "Without rules, there's chaos. No one gets special treatment. Mr. Sterling would back me up on this, I'm sure. Sorry, that's company policy."

With that, she turned, pulled out a VIP card, and swiped it across the elevator panel like she owned the place.

The private elevator doors slowly closed.

Before the doors shut completely, Grace stood tall, chin lifted, and locked eyes with me.

It was as if she were silently telling me she had won.