Chapter 1The Tycoon’s Vow: Claiming the Fallen Rose

Silas Vance was the son of my father’s bodyguard. I spent ten years of my life hopelessly in love with him.

When high school ended, I went to him, my heart overflowing with joy, and confessed: "Silas, marry me. I’ll give you the family you’ve never had."

He narrowed his eyes in pure disgust. "Get lost. Stay the hell away from me."

Later, my world crumbled. I, the princess of a golden empire, was dragged into the mud.

I did exactly what he wanted. I got lost. I vanished without a sound.

But now, he’s the one panicking. He looks at me with desperation in his eyes. "I’ll give you my body, my soul, my everything. Just stay."

I look back at him, my voice colder than ice. "Don't you think you’re being a bit pathetic?"

* * *

Ten years. That’s how long it’s been since I’ve set foot in this city.

The moment I stepped off the plane, my phone was bombarded with messages from Chloe. She was insisting that I attend the high school reunion organized by our old class president tonight.

Ten years ago, my father’s company collapsed overnight. Scams, scandals, and debt collectors were all anyone could talk about.

My father loved me. In the final, desperate moments, he managed to ship me off to London.

I stayed there for a decade.

Walking out of the airport, I pulled my sunglasses down. The crowd moved around me like a tide.

On a massive billboard nearby, a man stood tall. His features were sharp, his gaze lethal. He was Silas Vance—now a world-renowned billionaire.

Ten years. Everything has changed.

I felt a bitter smile touch my lips.

The proud red rose of the past had withered in the dirt, while the silent, lone wolf had fought his way to the highest peak.

At 8:00 PM, I changed into a simple, modest outfit and headed to the reunion.

I hadn't wanted to go, but Chloe wouldn't take no for an answer.

In high school, I was the "it-girl." I was the crown jewel of the Thorne family.

I had been wealthy, well-educated, and genuinely kind to my classmates. Because of that, even when I showed up in my plain clothes, no one sneered at me. They were as warm as ever.

"Oh my god, Elena! You’re finally back! We missed you so much!"

"Exactly! As soon as Chloe said you were back, I must have called her twenty times to make sure she brought you!..."

I was ushered to a seat in the center of the group. I took a sip of red wine and just smiled.

I scanned the large private room several times, but I didn't see him.

Just then, someone in the crowd blurted out, "Hey, is Silas Vance skipping again this year?"

The table went dead silent.

A few people glanced at me, then quickly shifted the conversation back to other topics, pretending they hadn't heard a thing.

The question was drowned out like a pebble thrown into the ocean.