Betrayed by Blood, Saved by a Billionaire

e ugly silence on the terrace like a laser. Every si

forgotten him. He was tall, way taller than Dylan, and built like he actually used a gym instead of just having a membership. He was wearing a suit, but not like the stuffy ones my

eemed to see right through everyone, and an expression that said he was not impressed by any of this drama. There was an aura around him, a kind of dangerous energy t

g with anger, but now there was a new note in it. Caution. Even

s confused one, before finally landing on me. For a split second, I thought I saw something flicker in their depths – surprise

, and carrying easily over the suddenly

at name. Sterling. As in Sterling Industries, one of the biggest, most powerful tech and investment conglomerates on the planet. He was supposed to be a myth, a recluse, the kind of billio

away, replaced by a look of utter disbelief. I saw her fingers cl

y mother, then flicking dismissively towards Hailey. "I belie

louder this time, buzzing

eather, not a scandal. "A private matter. I'd had a long flight and retired early. It appears Ms. Miller – Skye – was mis

e... apology? Regret? In his eyes. "I was, unfortunately, already asleep and had taken a rather strong sleeping aid. I only became aware of h

ccident. He didn't mention Hailey, or the drugged drink. He was protecting me,

g, horrified realization. The texts. She must have been told I was in the wrong room – Alexander Sterling's room. Her perfect plan to ruin me with some random hookup had backfi

formal, but with an underlying edge of steel that dared anyone to challenge him. "My apologies for thi

that up." He glanced from me to Alexander Sterling, then to Hailey, his face a canvas of confusion. The disappointment

to find out that the "random guy" involved was the legendary Alexander Sterling... the social fallout would be cata

alked in and, with a few calm, authoritative sentences, completely flipped the script. He hadn't exactly proven my innocence – Hailey's photo

g Hailey, Alexander Sterling spoke again. His voice was still calm, but now it had a ch

kye Miller's reputation is fully insulated from any further malicious speculation or damage..." He paused, his eyes finding mine, holding

. If the air on the terrace had been charged b

der Sterling wan

ort-circuiting. Was this guy for real? This had to be some ki

. This was so far off script, so far beyond anything she could have possibly imagined. Her plan to ruin me hadn't just fa

re of anger and disbelief. "Hold on a second, Mr. Sterling! You can't just... marry her! That's insane!" His voice was louder now

terling's shocking pronouncement, was like a tiny spark of warmth

re you so worried about her?" The jealousy in her tone was raw, ugly, and impossible to miss. She looked from Dylan's protective stance over me to Alexander

cus remained on me. "Mr. Hayes's... prior commitme

is... this is too much." My head was spinning. Marrying a complete stranger, a billionaire who radiated danger, to

with that unbreakable core of steel. "Perhaps we can discuss the particulars of this arrangement privately. My offer, however, is non-negotiable if you wish for thi

d, then back to me. He was offering me a way out, a shield against Hailey's

sheer presence. Hailey looked like she was seconds away from exploding. Mom just looked like she'd seen a

s, enigmatic billionaire, a confused and angry ex-almost-boyfriend who was now Hailey's fiancé, and a sister who clearly wanted me to suffe