Chapter 1

I was the daughter of some bigshot billionaire, Victoria Foster's fake boyfriend. My brother Wesley Grant was doing the same gig, playing along as arm candy for Margaret Russell, this up-and-coming actress.

We had this brilliant plan to milk the situation for all it was worth and then split town with the cash. But things didn't quite go according to plan.

They dumped us before we could score any real money.

Wesley and I had no choice but to pack our bags and leave in the middle of the night.

Two years later, Margaret tracked down my brother.

I was just standing there, enjoying the drama unfold, when someone smacked me upside the head.

"I could handle you ghosting me, but did you really have to steal my dog too?" Victoria's voice cut through the air.

Just as Margaret was about to reach her apartment door, Wesley grabbed my arm while holding an iPad, trying to pick out a birthday gift for her.

When the sound of the keypad lock downstairs clicked open, Wesley tossed the tablet aside and whispered, "Quick, hide somewhere. She hates having other people here."

I quickly contorted my six-foot frame into a shrimp-like shape and squeezed myself under the bed.

Wesley, who had been all business moments ago, suddenly transformed into a lovesick puppy, throwing his arms wide open to embrace his beauty. "Welcome home, babe!"

Margaret impatiently shoved Wesley away from her.

"It was you, wasn't it? You leaked the story about Evan being illegitimate! His gallery just opened! This negative press could ruin him! If you're upset about something, take it out on me, not him! Why did you have to go after Evan?"

Wesley's eyes started to well up with tears. "You really think I would do that?"

Margaret angrily threw her bag down. "This happened right after you visited his gallery. He only told you about it."

Just as Wesley was about to respond, Margaret's assistant came upstairs.

"We can't reach Mr. Evan Porter on his phone."

Margaret set down the water glass she had just picked up.

She shot Wesley an icy glare before heading back downstairs.

"Margaret, I swear I didn't do it," Wesley pleaded.

Margaret let out a cold laugh. "Last week, you got all jealous about me supporting Evan's gallery. If it wasn't you, then who was it?"

Wesley sniffled as tears fell onto the tip of his shoes.

"Can we talk about this tomorrow? Today is your..."

"Just shut up! I never thought you'd be this kind of person!" Margaret stormed out, slamming the door without even looking at him.

"Did you ever have any feelings for me at all?" Wesley rushed to the door and called out to Margaret's retreating figure.

Her heels paused for a brief moment, but she didn't answer. The only response was the sound of a car driving away downstairs.

Wesley put away his tablet and rubbed his nose before flopping spread-eagled onto the bed.

"Well, at least I won't have to spend money on her birthday this year," he muttered.

I poked my head out from under the bed and gave him a thumbs-up.

"Wesley, your acting skills are amazing. You almost had me believing you were really in love with her."

Wesley kicked me lightly. "Evan is your girlfriend's childhood sweetheart."

"Hey, I didn't do anything to hurt him!" I protested.

"Are you suggesting that I did?"

"What exactly are you saying?" My voice started trembling as I processed his words.

"Let's grab some cash and get the hell out of here!" Wesley stared at me with determination in his eyes.

"What's going on?" I asked with confusion.

"I ran into Evan at the gallery last week, and he gave me this ultimatum. When I called him out for being shameless, he came after me today," Wesley explained with a grimace.

"Don't forget that Evan is Margaret's old flame and your girlfriend's childhood sweetheart. Knowing your girlfriend's temperament, if you mess with her beloved childhood friend, you might not live to see another day!"

I quickly scrambled to my feet and started putting on my shoes.

"Alright, alright, say no more. Let's figure out how much money we can withdraw and make a run for it," I said urgently.