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's gaze darkened slightly, and she spoke slowly, "You and your ex seem to get along well, don't you?"


Van immediately sensed her misunderstanding and gently shook his head. "She..." He was about to explain when she interrupted him.


Both of them looked up to see Aaron standing in front of them, his posture graceful, eyes deep and warm. Clearly, he was the next award presenter.


Winnie froze for a moment, surprised to run into him here. Quickly adjusting her emotions, she gave a smile that returned to its usual warmth. "Hello Aaron."


Aaron glanced at Van before politely nodding in his direction, then focused back on Winnie. "You did a great job on stage just now."


The compliment carried a touch of elder-like concern, as if Aaron had been a mentor to her, offering guidance and care.


Winnie slightly raised her hand and humbly replied, "Thank you."


Chapter 124