If I didn't get the family brooch at the gala tonight, I'd be sent to New York for an arranged marriage by morning. As the Griffin family's bastard daughter, I already knew I was the one they were ready to sacrifice. But Ashton—my childhood sweetheart, the man who promised that brooch would be mine—pinned it onto his secretary instead. Right in front of everyone. "Let Crystal have her moment," he whispered, while I stood there silently begging him not to. "Crystal is gentle but strong," he announced. "This brooch suits her perfectly." That one word—perfectly—made me the joke of the whole night. So I got on a plane to New York the next morning. And that was when Ashton lost his mind—shutting down every train and flight out of Atlanta to drag me back.
Right now, Crystal timidly held onto Ashton's arm. Flashlights blazed around them. They looked like the perfect couple. My chest tightened, but I kept my composure. Ashton didn't seem to notice the anxiety in my eyes at all. The crowd slowly dispersed. No brooch on my chest, my fate was set. They'd marry me off like a broken toy no one wanted. Ashton saw me standing alone in the corner and walked over with a wine glass in his hand. "These people are such snobs. I told them that giving the brooch to Crystal was just a temporary move. But they still disrespected me and snubbed you." I stared at the man I'd leaned on for ten years straight, and a wave of helplessness crashed over me. "Do you have any idea what this brooch means tonight?" The closing gift at a charity gala was the unspoken signal of a marriage alliance between the two Griffin and Kestell families. As an unwanted daughter of the Griffin family, no one but Ashton would offend the family matriarch, Lucille Griffin, my birth father's legal wife. Lucille forced me to come here to crush my hopes and go to New York for the marriage alliance. I'd promised Ashton that if he gave me two years to establish myself, I'd never interfere with whoever he wanted to favor or love afterward. Ashton had sworn to protect me just yesterday, but today, in front of his secretary, he abandoned me without hesitation. A bond that was over ten years old was just broken, just like that. A flash of guilt crossed Ashton's face. He waved Crystal away to go grab something to eat. "You've long been tired of these high-society events, but Crystal is different. She's just an intern, and this might be her only chance to appear in this circle in her entire life. Just take it as me owing you a favor for her! He leaned down slightly, his eyes carrying the familiar indulgence he always showed me. "I usually give you whatever you want. Why are you being so petty today?" When I stayed silent and frowned, he cleared his throat awkwardly. "It's her last day as an intern, which means she won't be taking direct support from me anymore. I just wanted to give her a proper sendoff, something to remember." But his doing so would be the start of my nightmare. "Ashton, you know tonight..." Before I could finish, Crystal timidly returned between us. "Lynn, did I make you upset? Please don't blame Mr. Kestell. I begged him..." When Ashton saw Crystal hunched over like a frightened child, his brows immediately furrowed in annoyance. "Enough, Lynn. It's just an accessory. I'll buy you another one." He randomly plucked a fake decorative flower from a nearby decorative tree and handed it to me. "I think this suits you best. That diamond brooch is tacky. Throwing a fit over it isn't like your usual laid-back self." The fake flower was cheap, shoddy stuff—loose threads fraying at the edges, petals crumpled and bent from being tugged at. It was just like me now: cheap and pathetic.
Chapter 2 That brooch stood for family approval and respect, and it represented the dignity of the future matriarch. This cheap fake flower he'd plucked at random felt like nothing but a mockery of my foolish hopes. The whispers around me grew louder, drilling into my ears. "An illegitimate daughter who follows Mr. Kestell around like a lapdog actually thinks she can climb into high society? Haven't you heard? Even the intern is worth more than her." Ashton coldly glanced at them, and the socialite glared hard at me before falling silent. "Lynn, I'm sorry. You're used to being the center of attention. I just wanted to experience it once. I didn't think you'd care this much..." Crystal said. "Me, the center of attention? Do you have the slightest clue what my life's like in the Griffin house, Ashton?" I demanded in exasperation. Crystal lost her grip on her champagne glass, spilling it onto her skirt. Her eyes instantly welled up, tears clinging to her lashes. Ashton frowned tightly. "Fine, since it's come to this, I might as well see it through. I'll take her to fix her dress. If you're bored, just go home." Home? I no longer had a home in Atlanta. Playboy Kamron Francey spotted me and sauntered over with a drink in hand, his eyes fixed on me. He leaned in to sniff me. "You smell amazing, Ms. Griffin." Without Ashton's protection, I was defenceless. Everyone and their mother would walk all over me. Kamron remarked, "Mr. Kestell sent me over to bring you some food. I've told you before—don't hang onto one man. You'd be better off with me. Look how things turned out now. Got humiliated, huh?" I spun around in shock and looked at the slick, well-dressed man, my chest feeling tight and suffocating. Ashton knew Kamron had always lusted after me, yet he still left me alone here to face these nasty people. I dug my nails into my palms. His betrayal made my heart turn even colder toward him. I only asked for two years to free myself from the Griffin family's control. But Lucille saw me as an eyesore. She wouldn't even give me that much time, eager to sell me off for a good price. When Kamron saw that I wouldn't even look at him, his dirty hand landed directly on my shoulder. "Madelynn, if you didn't have such a pretty face, with just your status as an illegitimate daughter, I could do whatever I wanted with you. Do you really expect the Kestell family to protect you forever?" His hand was about to tighten its grip when Ashton returned and swiped it away. "Kamron, did I not warn you to stay away from what's mine?" "You already chose that secretary, didn't you? You're still holding onto Madelynn?" Kamron snapped angrily. "My business is none of your concern," Ashton said coldly. Kamron spat and stormed off, muttering curses. Ashton turned to me, his brows deeply furrowed. "Why didn't you dodge when he touched you?" The last faint spark of hope was shattered completely. "You gave him this chance, didn't you?" "I can protect you at an event like tonight, but that doesn't mean I have to stick to you like a bodyguard every step of the way." "But you knew tonight's gala was..." Before I couldn't finish, Crystal returned in a clean dress, a bright smile on her face, and cut me off again, "I want to go to the terrace for some fresh air, is that okay?" I was difficult and sharp. She was delicate and sweet. It wasn't hard to guess who Ashton would favor. He muttered to Crystal, "Sure. You're the star tonight. Whatever you want." He then turned to me. "We'll talk tomorrow. I'll come find you at the Griffin's house!" Tomorrow? I sneered inwardly, "Tomorrow, you'll have to go find me in New York."
Chapter 3 Ashton took Crystal to the terrace. Before leaving, Crystal glanced back at me. Her earlier timidity was gone, replaced by the smugness of a winner. I never should have softened my heart and kept her on Ashton's interview list. "You're used to being the center of attention. I just wanted to experience it once..." Crystal had said. But was I any better off than her? Mom died when I was little. They dragged me back to the Griffins, and no one ever really cared about me—not a single soul. Lucille regarded me with hostility. Dad was too busy expanding his business empire and dealing with his countless mistresses to bother with a bastard daughter like me. I learned to read people when I was a kid, and I did it just to get by. If I hadn't been pretty enough to be a marriage pawn, I would've "accidentally" dropped dead a long time ago. I fought to survive. Then I reached out to the mysterious man and begged him for a way out. He was ruthless. I forced myself to bargain with the devil despite my fear. "The Griffins have three daughters of marrying age. Why should I believe a bastard like you can come out on top?" "Because I have nothing to lose. I'm willing to bet with my life." But the timing wasn't right. The mysterious man wouldn't step in easily. The man from the Longford family in New York, the one I was meant to marry, was rumored to be cruel. No one who fell into his hands ever escaped unscathed. The Griffins wanted the alliance but refused to sacrifice their precious daughters. So, I was the obvious choice. The mysterious man must have heard about the gala. He sent a short message to me, "Solve this on your own." I held my phone, my fingertips cold. Crystal quietly stepped over to me, stroking my rigid hand like a hostess tending to a guest. "Make a guess. Does Mr. Kestell really know what that brooch stands for?" I wasn't one to waste time on self-pity. Even in a hopeless situation, I would fight until I broke. I found Ashton and asked directly, "Do you know what that brooch stands for?" "Yeah. An engagement token. But it's just a formality. Who actually marries based on a piece of jewelry these days?" So, he knew. "Don't worry. I'll talk to your family and tell them not to marry you off." "Then can you get the brooch back? I'll take it back to show Lucille and return it to Crystal tomorrow." Ashton looked at me, surprise flashing in his eyes, followed by reluctance. "That's not right. You don't ask for gifts back once they're given. How about I bid on something more expensive for you at auction tomorrow? Just don't fight Crystal over this one." The brooch was carved with the family crest. It was irreplaceable. The anger and frustration I'd bottled up all night finally erupted. "Ashton, you know I won't cling to you. I have someone I like. In two years, I'll set you free. Why do you have to ruin me at this critical moment?" His smile vanished at once. He frowned and pushed me against the wall. "The one you love again? Madelynn, who in Atlanta dares to marry you besides me? You're staying with me. Everyone in Atlanta knows you're mine." Being his shadow, his backup—those were just ways to survive in the Griffin family. Hearing him say it filled me with unprecedented shame. I stepped back and accidentally bumped into Crystal. "Lynn, don't be mad at Mr. Kestell." Ashton immediately pulled her into his arms. "Madelynn, it's just one night. Don't be unreasonable. After tonight, she'll just be my employee, and you'll still be Ms. Griffin." But the look in Crystal's eyes made it clear she wanted more than this. I turned and left the hall, then got into the car sent by the mysterious man. Inside, a cold-faced assistant spoke expressionlessly, "You lost the bet. You leave for New York tomorrow. From now on, you're on your own." "I'll come back." "We'll see if you can survive." The assistant raised the partition, blocking my view. And just like that, I was out of their game for good. When I returned to the Griffin's mansion, Lucille glanced at my empty chest, maintaining a fake air of elegance. "I raised you for twenty years. It's time to repay me. Since the Kestell family isn't interested, you leave tomorrow morning." Nothing in this mansion belonged to me. Even the plane ticket was on my own dime. I went to my tiny attic to pack. My half-sister leaned against the doorframe, admiring her newly done nails. "If I were you, I'd never show my face again. Mom sent me to watch you. Don't take anything valuable, not even the dress you're wearing. "Mom said you've enjoyed the good life in the Griffin family for so many years. From now on, you're on your own. "By the way, I heard the guy in New York is still hung up on his ex. Good luck." I took off the dress in front of her, removed every piece of jewelry, and dropped them into the tray until only a plain white nightgown remained. Then I walked to the bathroom. She rolled her eyes and left. Later, Crystal posted a photo on Instagram, showing her bright smile. Its caption read: "Thank you for the most wonderful night. From now on, I'll protect you." In the photo, the man with his arm around her wore the cufflinks I'd given him. I left every gift Ashton had ever given me at the Griffin's house. The next morning, at the first light of dawn, I left without waking anyone. Slinging my old canvas bag over my shoulder, I headed straight for the airport. Security, boarding—everything went unbelievably smoothly. As the plane taxied on the runway, I powered off my phone, severing all ties to Atlanta. Suddenly, the plane's intercom blared sharply. "Ladies and gentlemen, we sincerely apologize. At the request of the Kestell Group, all flights out of Atlanta are temporarily grounded. Please cooperate and return to the terminal, everyone."
Chapter 4 I watched the runway blur past the window, then slow to a stop. My mind went completely blank for a second. Before the plane even fully stopped, my phone started buzzing like crazy as service returned. Missed calls and WhatsApp texts bombarded my phone nonstop. A moment later, a sharp ding sounded. A bank deposit alert blared on my screen. The cabin announcement came again, "We sincerely apologize for the disruption. As compensation, the Kestell Group will refund all ticket costs at ten times the original price. Please cooperate and return to the terminal." The complaints and restlessness in the cabin died instantly at the keywords "ten times compensation" and "the Kestell Group". Behind me, a few young girls whispered excitedly. One said, "The Kestell Group? The Kestell family in Atlanta? He shut down the entire airport just to find someone? That's straight out of a cheesy CEO romance novel!" I unlocked my phone. The screen was covered with Ashton's name. I heard he'd stormed into the Griffin's house early that morning. He didn't find me, only the emerald jewelry and the dress I wore last night. My old canvas bag was gone. That's when he really lost it. He forced the servants to talk and learned I'd already left for the airport. Ashton trashed the things in the house in a frenzy, then started calling me nonstop. But my phone was off. I was already ten thousand meters up, waiting for takeoff. When he realized I hadn't taken even his smallest gifts, the sense of losing control drove him over the edge. That was what led to the absurd move of forcing my flight back. I followed the crowd off the plane and stood by the huge terminal windows, trapped with nowhere to go. Going back to the Griffin family to be humiliated, or moving forward no matter what? It was still early. My stomach cramped from anxiety, so I sat down at a low-key pasta shop, planning to eat before deciding my next move. The mysterious man's assistant texted, sounding professional, "Should I send someone to get you? Looks like the Kestell family won't let you go." The Griffin family was a dangerous place. Ashton might still want me, but he'd never fight his family for me. Going back would only bring more humiliation. Moving forward—there might still be a glimmer of hope. I swallowed a bite of pasta and watched a group of black-suited bodyguards storm into the terminal. They stopped every long-haired woman who looked like me and questioned them. Moments later, Ashton came into view. He was sweating heavily, his tie crooked, clutching his phone like a lifeline. He looked lost and desperate, nothing like the calm Atlanta scion he usually was. He ran right past me, just a couple of meters away, but he was too frantic to recognize me in the corner. He called again and again. My phone buzzed wildly in my bag. When I didn't answer, he was so angry that he nearly smashed his phone. The bodyguards returned empty-handed. I'd never seen Ashton look so ferocious. "Where is she! Block every exit! Not a single fly leaves Atlanta today!" I checked my phone. Train tickets to nearby cities were sold out. I opened the local news app. It was blowing up. Atlanta media always loved a dramatic scandal. The headlines were all about the Kestell family heir. The bold words stood out: Mr. Kestell Parties With New Lover Last Night; Why Did He Shut Down the City Today? Two girls touching up their makeup at the table behind me chatted loudly. "He's so devoted! If someone did that for me, I'd marry him on the spot." Her friend scoffed, "You have no idea. This is classic cheater's behavior out of regret. He gave the matriarch's brooch to some secretary at the gala last night. He probably drove his real girl away." "What? He chose an intern over the Griffin heiress? Is he making this big scene because he regrets it?" I sipped my soup silently. I didn't expect to overhear gossip about myself while eating. "I bet Mr. Kestell didn't even take the brooch seriously. He thought it was just normal jewelry." "How do you know that? Do you have inside info?" "Please. My cousin was at the auction last night." I felt a jolt. I pulled my hat lower without thinking. I glanced back quietly. When I saw I didn't know them, I let out a quiet breath. "I'm so jealous of rich people drama." "Don't be. My cousin said the Griffin heiress has a terrible life. She's pretty, but she's just an illegitimate daughter..."
Chapter 5 "Mr. Kestell must've lost his mind. How could he give something that important to someone so lowly?" The girl's tone shifted, sharp with disdain. "But let's be real. An illegitimate daughter can't compare to the legit ones like us. She's nothing more than a plaything. That secretary might be poor, but at least she has a clean background." I choked on my soup, flustered, and my coughing made them turn around. They didn't recognize me, though—if anything, they spoke even louder under my stare, flaunting their little superiority complex. "In my opinion, one day Mr. Kestell will get bored with that secretary and realize status matters. As my dad says, marriage alliances aren't about love but about position." I hated listening to this. I stood up to pay. As I passed their table, the loud girl's eyes went wide when she saw my face. She pointed at me, mouth hanging open. "What? Did you see a ghost?" Her friend looked over and blurted out, "Wow, what a stunning woman!" "You're the..." She glanced at the bodyguards rushing around nearby, her face pale. "You're the one Mr. Kestell is looking for? How are you..." I pressed a finger to my lips, telling them to be quiet. They clamped their mouths shut at once, eyes wide with fear and intrigue. Long after I walked away, I could still hear their muffled screams behind me. "I told you that was the Griffins' illegitimate daughter! She's way prettier in person. Is Mr. Kestell blind?" I'd barely reached another gate when another refund text popped up. The Kestell family's power in Atlanta was overwhelming. They'd locked down even flights to nearby cities. I held my phone, staring at the flashing red exclamation marks. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Just then, an unfamiliar number flashed on her screen—the call was from New York. I picked up. "Hello, who is this?" "Maverick Longford." So, this was him, the man I was supposed to marry and rumored to be cold and cruel. But the voice on the line was clear and cool, which strangely calmed me. "I'm sorry. I..." I started. "The private plane is waiting for you on the tarmac. My men will take you away." Before I could explain my situation, I saw a sleek private plane taxi into place through the window. Several calm middle-aged men in black coats stepped out and waited respectfully at the stairs. "Okay." I hung up without hesitation and turned toward the VIP entrance. It started to drizzle in Atlanta. As soon as I stepped out of the terminal, a black umbrella was held over my head. The man bowed slightly, polite but dignified. "Ms. Griffin, we're here to pick you up under orders." At that moment, Ashton finally spotted me in the crowd. He rushed over like a madman and grabbed my wrist, squeezing so hard that I thought he'd break my bones. "Madelynn! Come back with me!" My bodyguards moved at once, forming a wall around me. The Longford family's men stepped in front of me, too. The two groups stood off in the rain. Travelers pulled out their phones, watching like it was a rich-family drama. Leading the Longford entourage was Austin Elliston, an elderly, gray-haired butler dressed in an immaculate three-piece suit. He exuded the quiet authority of old aristocracy—his smile measured, his eyes cold. "Mr. Kestell, we are here to take our future Mrs. Longford home. Don't get in the way."