Chapter 4Gilded Cage and Cold Revenge

It was a high-society charity gala hosted by the Hunt family.

Tiffany, as usual, arrived draped in Cartier and haute couture.

When she saw me, her smile vanished.

"Seraphina Vance. How did a stray like you get an invite?"

Tiffany looked down on me. To her, I was just Silas's high-end "kept woman."

I had been with him for two years, and not even my college roommates knew.

I was his secret, a ghost in his life.

I didn't belong at a party like this.

But Silas wasn't hiding me because he was ashamed; he was hiding me because I was his Achilles' heel.

Normally, I met him at his private penthouses, driven by his personal security.

But after a stalker nearly broke into my place, he moved me into his most secure estate.

Facing Tiffany's sneer, I remained poised.

"I graduated top of my class, Tiffany. I have friends in high places. It shouldn't be a surprise to see me here."

Tiffany eyed my floor-length, form-fitting gown. Her eyes turned venomous.

"You’re nothing. One phone call last night and Silas came to me. He gave me a pink diamond necklace from the Sotheby's auction. It’s worth six million."

"What did he give you? That dress looks like a rental."

She was right.

Silas never took me shopping. I didn't ask for luxury gifts.

But I didn't need to. In the quiet of the night, he taught me the secrets of the market, hand-holding me through investment strategies.

Isn't that more interesting than a piece of jewelry?

When she saw no jealousy in my eyes, she hissed:

"Bitch. He’ll get bored of you soon. When he's done, you won't be able to find a job in this city."

I touched my neck, smiling.

"Last night... he was so obsessed he wouldn't let me leave the room until dawn. I don't think he's getting bored quite yet."

I leaned in closer.

"It’s pathetic, Tiffany. You love him, but you’re too afraid to even try to get into his bed."