Claire Winters

Three days. That’s how close I was to marrying Alistair, the man I’d loved for six years, the man whose life I’d literally saved with my own rare blood. I was just admiring the final pearl on my wedding dress, a gown I’d poured my soul into, when he called.

The wedding? Off. He was marrying my stepsister, Ivy. Her dying wish, he said. Six months to live, maybe less.

The kicker? He’d already taken my wedding dress from my studio for her.

Just like that, six years, countless transfusions, our shared dreams – all tossed aside for the girl who’d made my life a living hell since childhood. He even offered me “compensation,” as if my future had a price tag.

But if Alistair and Ivy thought I’d just crumble, they seriously underestimated me. They wanted my fiancé? Fine. But it would cost them. First, our multi-million-dollar fashion company, Evening Gala – built on my designs, my vision. He signed it over. Then, a cool million for the stolen dress. He paid. Another million for the wedding jewelry they dared to ask me to hand over for Ivy. Cha-ching.

You’d think they’d learn. But no. Their next proposal was the most insulting yet: Alistair actually suggested that I should just wait. That after Ivy’s ‘inevitable’ passing in a few months, he and I could just pick up where we left off, have an even better wedding. Seriously?

Enough was enough. If Ivy wanted to play bride with my life, she was going to get a taste of what happens when you push someone too far. Let's just say her hospital room celebration involved a lot more smoke, water, and screaming than she bargained for, all thanks to a little wedding gift from yours truly.

Now they know I’m not the same Hazel they could walk all over. I’ve got my company, a pile of their cash, and a whole lot of scores to settle. They think this is over? This game of revenge is just getting started. And believe me, I play to win.

The Billionaire's Dangerous Redemption

I checked the time on my dashboard as I sped down the highway. Twelve forty-five. I was cutting it close for my lunch with Sebastian. My stomach fluttered with nerves, and I kept reminding myself this was just a friendly meal. A thank-you lunch. Nothing more.


So why couldn't I stop checking my appearance in the rearview mirror?


I'd followed Vera's advice and worn the burgundy wrap dress. It hugged my curves in all the right places, professional yet subtly alluring. My hair fell in soft waves around my shoulders, and I'd applied just enough makeup to enhance my features without looking like I was trying too hard.


"Get it together, Hazel," I muttered to myself, changing lanes to overtake a slow-moving truck.


Lumière came into view, its sleek glass façade gleaming in the afternoon sun. I pulled into the valet area, handed over my keys, and took a deep breath before walking toward the entrance.


An Ambiguous Lunch