The Heir and His False Queen

Mid-twenties, heir to a tech and real estate empire, New York City his playground. People saw him as naive,

rom families with old, forgotten ties to the Vanderbilts. He gave them education, a luxurious wing in their estate, opportunities. The unspoken price: one of them was to marry Ethan,

te, cool dismissal from Ava, wandered near the Vanguard women's private lounge. He wasn't trying to eavesdro

The near-drowning at the Hamptons party? All staged. I wante

froze.

iam. "We all have our tricks. Exaggerate flaws, pretend

via Chen added, her voice calm, "Lia

eir belo

ns. Not brother and sister. Her hands were on his face, her voice, usually so comp

issed her, a deep, passionate ki

his father, now. He found Arthur in his study, surr

as tight, "the Vanguard p

urprised. "Ethan? W

. I overheard them. Ava... she's not who

ce hardened

cidents, their true devotion to Liam, Av

out before he'd fully formed the thought. Sophia. Genuine, kind

his eyes searching Ethan's. "Sophia H

for me, not for what I can

ur decisiveness, Ethan, I haven't seen it often. If

er of relief. "Th

" Arthur said, his voice turning

m in their luxurious wing. They looked up, surprised t

ion. "My father and I are terminating the Vanguard program. Your fina

ya's eyes narrowed. Ava's face remained a perfec

icked. Truly panicked. Hi

d the grand marble staircase of the V

oice was high, pleading. "Ava loves

aid, disgust lacing his

am grabbed his arm. "Please,

rm away, a sharp,

rical cry, he pitched himself backwards down the marb

me! Ethan

the lounge, their faces a mixture of horror

n, her eyes like ice

nt setup stealing his breath. The