Chapter 1

To pay off my boyfriend’s debts, I sold Scout—the rare, purebred Akhal-Teke stallion who grew up with me, the last of his kind in the world.

On the day of the transfer, Howard held me tight, his eyes red and tearful.

"I’m so sorry, Bella. I promise I’ll work myself to the bone and buy Scout back for you!"

Today, while I was mucking out stalls at the dusty suburban ranch, I spotted a newly released issue of a luxury finance magazine left on a bench.

The cover headline screamed at me.

[New Billionaire Icon Bids Fortune for Ultra-Rare Stallion, All to Win a Beauty's Smile]

Inside, on a high-definition, double-page spread, was Howard—the man who claimed he was working himself to death.

He was wearing custom-tailored equestrian gear, elegantly holding Scout's reins.

And the woman sitting on my horse, laughing with wild, arrogant triumph?

It was Chloe White.

My former rival who, jealous of my riding skills, had sabotaged my saddle three years ago and severed the tendons in my right hand, ending my career.

In the photo, Scout was pawing at the ground, looking visibly stressed.

Meanwhile, Howard was leaning down, tenderly kissing the back of the hand of the very woman who had destroyed my life.