Chapter 1: Find Her, Brâ¦
His approach to problems was notoriously direct and efficient; he believed in using money where it could solve problems, and where it couldnât, he wouldnât hesitate to
employ force.
If these incompetents couldnât fend off the invading hacker, then the solution was simpleâtrack them through the net and bring them back by any means necessary.
Meanwhile, in a rundown rental apartment, Isabella Sterling watched
the characters dance across her
screen with satisfaction. At this rate,
the firewall of the Ascot Group wouldnât last three days.
She had heard that Alexander had spent a fortune to acquire a piece of land that the city hall had intended
for the reconstruction of an
orphanage. His ruthlessness and lack
Setting
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Chapter 1: Find Her
of compassion seemed boundless.
âPerhaps itâs time he learns a lesson. Even if the Ascot Group doesnât crumble, the losses Alexander will suffer from this attack are
astronomical.â
Isabellaâs lips curved into a smirk at the thought. Glancing at the time on her screen, she realized she was late again and braced herself for the inevitable consequences.
At Sterling Manor, her stepmother, Eleanor Sterling, and halfâsister, Charlotte Sterling, were leisurely enjoying fruit on the couch. Eleanorâs uncharacteristic approach upon Isabellaâs entry was alarming.
âIsabella, youâve finally returned. Just in time, I have some good news for you.â
Skeptical, Isabella recalled how even
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a halfâminute delay in the past would result in a tirade or worse physical punishment. Ever since being adopted from the orphanage by the Sterlings, such treatment had
become the norm.
âUngrateful girl, are you deaf to my words?â Eleanorâs patience was thin, especially for an adopted child who couldnât grasp the gravity of the conversation.
Charlotte stood up, her red dress
billowing like a declaration of her aristocratic status. âSister, given the recent troubles our corporation has faced, our parents worry about your future. Theyâve found a wealthy suitor for you. Marrying him will ensure you a life of luxury.â
Isabellaâs eyes flickered with
amusement but she remained silent,
fully aware of the Sterlingsâ
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Chapter 1: Find Her, Brâ¦
intentions. Their recent financial
blunders had pushed them to this. desperate measure of marrying her
off.
âWhy shouldnât Charlotte take this wonderful opportunity?â Isabella countered, watching Charlotteâs face
sour instantly.
Eleanor interjected, âCharlotte and Mr. Alexander have been childhood
sweethearts. Only someone of Mr. Alexanderâs caliber is worthy of our Charlotte. You should realize your
place.â
Their words made Charlotte beam with pride. Despite Isabellaâs beauty, they viewed her as nothing more than a pawn in their gameâdestined to marry a detestable old man, while Charlotte would bask in the glory of union with Riverdaleâs most
powerful man.
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Chapter 1: Find Her. Brâ¦
âFrom what Iâve heard, he might be older, but heâs wealthy and caring. It took a lot of convincing to arrange this marriage. Donât disappoint our parents,â Charlotte pressed, with Eleanor quickly adding, âThis matter is settled. Your agreement is irrelevant. The engagement ceremony is tomorrow night. Weâre doing this for your own good.â
âI understand. Letâs proceed as you wish,â Isabella complied, her docility catching Charlotte off guard, who expected more resistance. It seemed, after all, that an orphan could only
be so fortunate to secure a
benefactor, leaving no room for
choice.
Isabella ascended the stairs without betraying any emotion, her room
situated at the very end of the
second floor. It was a converted
storeroom, less comfortable than
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Chapter 1: Find Her Br
even a servantâs quarters, shadowy and damp
Sitting on the edge of her bed, she pulled out her phone to scroll through Riverdaleâs latest news flashes. The cyber attack on the Ascot Group had made headlines, sparking a myriad of speculations in the comments. Yet, no one guessed that the âmastermind behind it all
was a women.
Setting