Chapter 1

My first day at the new job.

I rode to the company in Caleb’s car.

After getting out, I handed him a portion of the breakfast Mom had made.

But as soon as I settled into my cubicle, my brother’s assistant called, her voice sharp and accusatory.

“How can an intern like you be so shameless, trying to hit on men the minute you walk in?”

I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Caleb wasn’t my biological brother, but he was Mom and Dad’s adopted son. Why would I ever try to seduce him?

Fresh out of college, I started my internship at our family’s branch company.

Caleb Sterling happened to work there, and he’d offered to drive me on my first day.

I never expected it to turn into such a ridiculous misunderstanding.

Listening to the shrill scolding over the phone, I recognized her.

It wasn't the first time I’d heard that voice – Caleb’s assistant.

Caleb had chattered away on the phone with her in front of me more than once.

He often talked about how sweet and innocent his little assistant was, calling her an angel.

He even listed a bunch of her adorable blunders.

Like how she always accidentally mixed up the meeting documents.

Or how she’d offer customers milky tea instead of actual tea.

And how, when booking travel for clients, she’d book them economy class but herself first class…

I felt it was inappropriate and once asked Caleb:

“If that’s the case, why don’t you just fire her?”

“We should give ordinary people more chances. She works hard, she’s kind, she’s just a little scatterbrained.”

Caleb’s answer was perfectly reasonable to him.

I didn’t say anything else.

She was just an assistant, what kind of trouble could she really cause?

The woman on the phone was bossy and rude, and I couldn't help but frown.

Seeing my silence, Willow Davis’s arrogance grew.

“Must be great having a man drive you to work, carrying your bag, huh?”

“How can you be so shameless? We’re both women, so don’t pull your fake innocent act with me, it won’t work!”

“Do you know how busy Caleb is as the General Manager? How dare you waste his time making him pick you up?”

My face burned red.

It was just a quick ride since he was going that way anyway. Was it really that big of a deal?

But seeing how Caleb always defended Willow in his words, it seemed like they were either flirting or already dating.

I could somewhat understand her possessiveness over her boyfriend.

“He’s my brother,” I explained.

I thought that would make Willow change her tone.

Instead, her words became even more venomous.

“Oh, so you’re the clingy pest they warned me about. Seducing your own brother at such a young age? You’re truly disgusting.”

Her insults completely stunned me.

How could such an unreasonable person be the kind, scatterbrained angel Caleb talked about?

A vein throbed on my forehead, but I still patiently tried to explain:

“Don’t say such terrible things. We grew up together. Is it really too much for my brother to drive me on my first day of work?”

“Shut up! How can you be so ill-mannered? Didn’t your parents teach you about the separation between men and women? Even if you’re his sister, you should know better!”

Willow’s voice was terrifyingly cold.

“I’ve seen plenty of manipulative, backstabbing women like you. You even compete with other women at home, seducing your own dad and brother—”

Those words were truly disgusting.

Even with my generally good temper, I couldn't take it anymore.

My face darkened:

“Where did you come from, you psycho? Are you saying this because you do such things at home?”

“Fine, you bitch, just you wait. I won’t let you off easy.”

Willow hung up after that.

I didn't take it seriously.

I sent the recording of the call to Caleb.

I figured he would handle it.

Caleb’s message came back quickly.

He seemed panicked:

“I’m so sorry, Skylar. Your sister-in-law is just childish, and very possessive of me, but she doesn’t mean any harm.”

“I’ve already talked to her. I promise this won’t happen again.”

“Next time we meet, I’ll make her apologize properly to you, okay?”

Caleb was my brother, the one I’d grown up with. Since he was humbling himself like that, I found it hard to stay angry.

I didn't want to make things difficult for him, so I agreed to reconcile with Willow.