NewEraCulture

A high-society romance where pretense turned into reality.
 
Van, the heir to a top-tier fortune and a regular on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, had been mocked for being perpetually single, with even rumors swirling about his "dysfunction."
 
Winnie, a Hollywood superstar desperate to escape her constant barrage of scandals, encountered this billionaire worth tens of billions. To her surprise, Van presented her with an unexpected proposal:
 
"Pretend to date me for a year. You won't have to do anything else. I'll pay you $100 million after taxes."
 
She planned to laugh it off but couldn't ignore the man's chiseled features—the way his shadowed face was lit up as he casually raised an eyebrow and lit a cigarette in the glow of firelight, his voice steady and laced with danger.
 
She remembered their first meeting in a torrential downpour—the man reclining in a silver Maybach, eyes half-closed, exuding charm yet utterly unattainable. She also remembered later, when everyone had believed him to be unshakable and untouchable, he had appeared alone, worn and weary, at her remote desert film set, quietly asking:
 
"Do you really have to shoot this kiss scene?"
 
Behind this contract lay something far deeper than money—a fixation, a love that had turned real, or perhaps an irresistible force neither of them had recognized.
 
$100 million had set the stage for a high-stakes battle of love and hate that would ultimately unravel.

A Love Confession from Las Vegas

Winnie murmured softly, "My knees hurt a little..."


Van chuckled lightly, releasing her and adjusting the collar of her shirt. "Go to sleep."


The air mattress made faint sounds with her movements, and the night's chill gradually crept in, starkly contrasting the warmth inside the tent. Winnie wrapped herself in the down blanket, her flushed cheeks betraying her nervousness. In a low voice, she asked, "Can I borrow your phone? I'd like to call my mom."


Van didn't object and casually handed her his phone.


As she took the phone, a tinge of hesitation crossed her mind. It was her birthday, yet she hadn't been able to return home due to various matters. At the very least, she felt she should let her mom know she was safe. She dialed Ruby's number.


When Ruby saw a call from Las Vegas, she assumed it was a scam and answered with a wary tone. But upon hearing Winnie's voice, her concern was evident. "Why is your phone off? Are you traveling abroad?"


Chapter 104