Chapter 1

I kept my gaze low, taking a slow, deliberate sip of my tea as I pretended Dominic Thorne didn't exist.

Everyone knew the rumors. Over the years, Dominic had become the golden boy—the star lawyer every major firm in Silverton was desperate to poach.

He was about to speak again, but a wave of sycophants swarmed him before he could get a word out.

"You're truly unstoppable, Mr. Thorne! It’s incredible... so young, yet already making waves internationally!"

"Exactly, Dominic. Don't forget us little people now that you're at the top. Remember how close we were back in school?"

"I heard he's not just brilliant, but loyal, too," someone cooed. "He and Mrs. Thorne went from campus sweethearts to husband and wife. A match made in heaven—it’s enough to make anyone jealous."

Bianca offered a demure blush, stealing a shy glance at Dominic before nestling deeper into his embrace. Their display of affection drew a chorus of teasing laughter from the crowd.

"Speaking of family," a hushed voice cut in, "didn't I hear that Mrs. Thorne's sister was spotted lurking around Bayview Estates? Rumor has it she’s become some rich old man's mistress..."

A flicker of disgust crossed Dominic’s eyes at the mention. Bianca, meanwhile, straightened her posture, letting out a sigh of practiced pity. "It truly is a tragedy. Our family has always valued its reputation, yet somehow... she turned out so shameless."

She dabbed delicately at the corner of her dry eyes. Then, feigning a dramatic gasp, her gaze slid past the crowd and landed on me. "Valerie... oh god, did you hear all that?"

The room went silent. All eyes snapped toward me.

One of Dominic’s lackeys looked me up and down with a sneer. "I heard the club owner hired some eye candy to sing tonight. Maybe she's one of them."

Laughter rippled through the group, cruel and mocking.

"This isn't just a music lounge, you know. I bet they offer full-service entertainment."

"Even if Ms. Vane cut ties with her family, she was raised by scholars. How could she sink this low? Hey, one of you single guys should do a good deed and take her home tonight."

I simply tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, ignoring their taunts entirely.

Dominic, however, strode over. He grabbed my chin, forcing me to look up. His eyes were cold, filled with a mixture of arrogance and disdain. "It's only been a few years, Valerie. Look at you. I went from a spoiled heir to a respected lawyer, while you... you’ve reduced yourself to singing in bars."

Internally, I rolled my eyes. A lawyer? That was what he was bragging about?

If I recalled correctly, Silverton was crawling with lawyers of his caliber. Compared to Alistair Thorne, Dominic couldn't hold a candle in terms of talent or character.

As Dominic scrutinized my face, a flash of surprise flickered in his eyes.

Alistair adored me. After our marriage, he had spoiled me in every conceivable way. A life of luxury and peace had reshaped me; the elegance I carried now far outshone the girl I had been back in the Vane household.

A mocking smile tugged at Dominic’s lips, shaking off his surprise. "Is this your new tactic? Flashing that look of fake innocence to hook men?"

Bianca appeared at his side, shooting me a venomous glare before softening her voice. "Babe, even if Dad cut her off, she's still my sister. Let's leave her with a shred of dignity... for old times' sake."