Chapter 1The Outcast Is Actually The Boss

The town I grew up in had the best water, the freshest air, and the most jagged mountain views you could imagine. The only problem was the people.

In my village, "conflict resolution" was a fancy term for a fistfight. Logic was a luxury; power was the only currency. If you had a problem, you threw hands until the problem went away. By eighteen, I wasn't just a participant—I was the undisputed heavy-weight champion of a town full of brawlers.

The day my final exams ended, I had a score to settle with the local heartthrob behind the old creek. I was just about to teach him a lesson when my old man’s roar echoed across the valley, summoning me home. He told me my biological parents had finally found me.

When the wealthy couple saw me—decked out in my dirt-stained boots, smelling of adrenaline and mountain air—they looked like they’d swallowed glass. They promised to take me back to their mansion, to give me the "life I deserved."

But it was a lie. From the very beginning, they didn't want a daughter. They wanted a sacrificial lamb.

Too bad for them. I’m not a lamb. I’m a wolf.

* * *

The second I stepped into the foyer of the Montgomery estate, the sound of sobbing hit me like a physical wall.

I paused, looking at the man I was supposed to call my father—Harrison Montgomery. He adjusted his silk tie, his eyes avoiding mine.

"Don't tell me," I said, my voice dry. "There’s a 'replacement daughter' already in the picture, isn't there?"

As if on cue, the sobbing in the living room escalated into a full-blown wail. Harrison’s face tightened with a flicker of embarrassment.

"When you were lost, your mother... she couldn't handle the grief. That’s why we adopted Serena. She isn’t a 'replacement.' She’s been our daughter for eighteen years. She’s the one who stayed. You should be grateful to her."

My biological mother, Victoria, emerged then. She had been clutching a weeping girl in her arms, but she pulled away to stand in front of me. Her eyes were red, but they held no warmth for me.

"This is your sister, Serena," she said, her voice trembling. "Serena was supposed to be your name, you know. But she’s lived with it for so long that changing it now would be... inconvenient. From now on, your name will be June."

I let my gaze drift over the three of them. The "loving" father, the "heartbroken" mother, and the "fragile" daughter. They looked like a portrait of a perfect family. I was just the smudge on the canvas.

I took a step back, creating a deliberate gap between us.

"Why would I change my name?" I asked. "I already have one. You can call me The Boss."

Harrison’s forced smile vanished. His brow furrowed into a deep, jagged line. "What kind of ridiculous, low-class name is that? We’ve already updated your paperwork. You are June Montgomery."

Before I could retort, Serena was suddenly at my side, her fingers trembling as she reached for my sleeve.

"Is... is June mad at me for taking her name?" she whimpered. "I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to. If you hate the name June that much, I can give it back. I’ll do anything, I—"

She broke off into another sob, tears fat and heavy rolling down her cheeks. I pulled my arm away, feeling a surge of genuine disgust.

"Let me get this straight," I said. "You’ll give me the name back, but you’re keeping the parents?"

I turned back to Harrison and Victoria. "You brought me back here. Are you planning on sending her away?"

Serena stumbled back as if I’d struck her. Victoria immediately rushed to steady her, throwing me a look of pure vitriol.

"You’ve been in this house for five minutes and you’re already trying to kick her out? Did you hear a word your father said? If it weren't for Serena, we wouldn't have survived these eighteen years. You should be thanking her, but instead, you’re being a bully. I am deeply disappointed in you."

Harrison shot her a sharp look, a silent command to stop. I pretended not to see the exchange and started wandering through the living room, appraising the place like a landlord.

"Fine. As long as she stays out of my way, I’ll let her keep her seat at the table," I said. "Nice place you’ve got here. Five thousand square feet? You guys must have been busy making money while I was gone. It’s better than the mountains, I guess. So, where’s my room?"

Victoria looked ready to explode, but Harrison cut her off.

"June, your room is on the second floor. We had the staff prepare it specifically for you. I’m sure you’ll love it. But listen, since you’ve been living in... less than ideal conditions, we’re worried about your health. Your mother is going to take you to the clinic tomorrow for a full physical. We just want to make sure you’re okay."

"June—" he started again.

I held up a finger, silencing him. His face went pale with the perceived insult. I smiled, though it didn't reach my eyes.

"The clinic is fine. But with all this 'June' and 'Serena' stuff, things are going to get confusing. I told you what to call me."

"The Boss."