The Conqueror's Vindicated Darling

Three years ago, I was supposed to have the wedding of the century with Griffin Lancaster in New York City.

But on the eve of our engagement ceremony, he chose my sister, Felicity.

Overnight, I became the laughingstock of New York's high society. Before I could even demand an explanation, a sudden hostile takeover plunged both the Blackwood and Lancaster family empires to the brink of bankruptcy. And I was framed for leaking company secrets.

After pulling our company back from the brink, I washed my hands of them, leaving New York and cutting off all contact with that world. I started a new life in Europe as an anonymous designer.

I thought I was done with them for good.

However, three years later, we met again at a top-tier charity gala. Felicity was nestled in Griffin's arm, her expression a mask of shy surprise as her eyes found mine. "Scarlett! What are you doing here? I thought you were thriving in Europe."

Seeing my silence, she laughed mockingly. "Well, well. Couldn't make it out there and had to come crawling back to New York?"

Griffin stared at me, his disgust unconcealed. "Even if you knelt and begged, I would never allow you back into the Blackwood family. But, for Felicity's sake, I can offer you a job as her assistant."

A small, knowing smile touched my lips, my gaze serene. Little did they know, the only reason I was here was that the founder of Covington Capital—my partner—had thrown this entire star-studded gala just for me.

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1

Just three days ago, I learned that Rhys, my partner from Europe, was none other than "the Conqueror"—the mysterious tycoon who had struck fear into the heart of Wall Street in just a few short years.

He said that on my birthday, he would reveal my identity to the world as one of my gifts.

Right now, he was backstage reviewing his speech, and I was resting my head in his lap, already bored out of my mind. He must have sensed my restlessness, because he let out a soft sigh.

"Darling, why don't you go have a glass of champagne at the party? We still have some time before we're on."

I nodded lightly. When I pushed open the heavy double doors of the ballroom, the sheer opulence of the scene before me was breathtaking. Just as I was about to text Rhys and tease him about going so over-the-top for my birthday, a commotion near the entrance caught my eye.

It was Griffin and Felicity. As representatives of two powerful families soon to be united, their arrival immediately drew a fawning crowd.

"It's Griffin Lancaster and Felicity Blackwood!"

"Mr. Lancaster, we're so grateful for this opportunity! We don't know what we would have done without you!"

Felicity demurred, playing the part of the shy debutante. "It was our pleasure. After all, New York's finest families have to stick together."

Griffin stood beside her, politely exchanging pleasantries with the CEOs of major corporations. His eyes landed on me. He froze for a second, then his mouth twisted into a cold, disdainful sneer.

"Scarlett. You've got some nerve showing your face here. Still chasing the best of everything, I see. But a party of this caliber isn't for you anymore."

I gave a slight nod. He wasn't wrong about the first part. As the shining jewel of the Blackwood family, I had always demanded the best. It was only natural that my partner would be the most exceptional man of his generation.

Back then, I'd been drawn to Griffin's brilliant business acumen and had quickly chosen him as my fiancé. However, when I arrived at our engagement ceremony, brimming with joy, I found the two of them kissing in the lounge. My world came crashing down. I lost it, pointing at Griffin and demanding an explanation, even foolishly threatening him with my inheritance.

"Everything I have—my inheritance, my connections—it’s all far more than she could ever offer! You’d better think this through, Griffin!"

But not only did he not back down, he held Felicity even tighter. He said that before Felicity, he'd thought power and ambition were everything. But after meeting her, none of it mattered anymore.

That day, I became the biggest joke in New York. A woman jilted at her own engagement, a joke of a woman who only knew how to throw her family's weight around. I would never forget Felicity nestled in Griffin's arms, her flushed face a mask of provocation and triumph as she told me, "So what if you're more talented than I am? I can take everything from you with a snap of my fingers."

Griffin's voice pulled me from my reverie. "Scarlett, today is the day Rhys Covington celebrates his mysterious partner's birthday. Someone like you doesn't belong here."