"Claudia, do you have ulterior motives toward me?" Claudia rolled her eyes. "You wish." "I'm giving you permission to have little thoughts about me." "I suggest you go get your head checked." The two of them couldn't have a serious conversation for more than two minutes. It was almost funny, considering how cold and quiet they both were around anyone else. "You don't mean half the things you say," Sterling murmured, eyes flicking downward. "Telling me to leave while sitting there practically seducing me." Following his gaze, Claudia suddenly realized that when she'd sat down, her pajama top had loosened—exposing more than half her chest. She was on the carpet between the coffee table and the sofa. Sterling was right above her on the couch. From his angle, everything was… in plain sight. She froze, face heating, and crossed her arms over her chest. "What nonsense are you talking about?" With that dazzling whiteness hidden from view, Sterling leaned back lazily, shrugging. "Don't you know? The whole neighborhood thinks we're madly in love—perfect couple of the year, apparently." Five minutes later, a sharp shriek echoed through the apartment, followed by Claudia's palm smacking hard against Sterling's chest. "What kind of rumors have you been spreading about me?!" she fumed. He smiled, completely unbothered. "As you can see, I just did a small act of kindness." From newly single to suddenly branded a married woman overnight—Claudia felt like the sky had collapsed. "When you pat your ass and leave, what happens to me?" she groaned. Since they were already knee-deep in the topic, Sterling didn't bother hiding his real intentions anymore. "The best way to deal with a rumor," he said smoothly, "is to make it true." Her brows drew together. "What do you mean?" He leaned closer, voice low. "Marry me, Ms. Lancaster. I need a wife. And I think you're the right one." "Why?" He just smiled, saying nothing. "And what makes you think I'd ever agree to that?" "Because you need me too," he said softly. "The Lancaster family's adopted daughter kicked you out. She stole your parents, your brothers, your name, your status—even your grandmother's keepsake. Don't you hate her?" Now they sat at opposite ends of the sofa, the faint warmth from before gone—replaced by the charged stillness of two chess players locked in a standoff. "You should know my history with her," Claudia said quietly. "I owe her." Sterling's eyes were cold. "Only someone blind would believe a six-year-old could cause the death of an adult. Don't tell me you've never questioned that story. And even if you are that naïve—shouldn't Lydia be the one lying in a hospital bed right now, not you?" He studied her face, his tone suddenly sharper. "Can't decide, huh? Because deep down you know—words and slaps mean nothing. But once you fight back, it won't just be Lydia you're facing. It'll be the entire Lancaster family standing behind her. You want justice? Then strip away her backing, crush her pride, and the Lancasters will feel it too." His gaze locked on hers, pinning her in place. "You're too softhearted, Ms. Lancaster. And the one who feels too deeply is always the one who loses hardest." In that moment, all traces of his earlier teasing vanished. The warmth drained from his voice, leaving behind the sharp, merciless aura of the Romero family's golden heir. "Family," he said, almost gently, "is just a word. If they can't stand with you completely, their love means nothing. The chance is right in front of you—everything you never dared to reach for before. Just say the word, and it's yours." His voice was soft, coaxing—like a devil whispering temptation into her ear. Before she was six, the Lancaster family had adored her. After that, their affection was never enough when it was gentle, never cruel enough when it was cold. Even now, though she'd long stopped hoping for their love, that tiny shred of emotion kept her from striking back. But Sterling—he was different. He had never expected love from his own family. To him, feelings were hollow, family meant nothing. To him, Claudia's compassion was her greatest flaw. The Lancasters weren't her strength—they were her chains. "You keep saying you can help me," Claudia said calmly, "but you haven't told me what it'll cost." She admitted her weaknesses, but she refused to be led around blindly. Sterling's eyes glinted with approval. "Smart. That position won't be easy to hold. For a long time, your life won't be peaceful. There may even be danger." "And when you've achieved what you want?" she asked. "Divorce? I'm not about to throw away the rest of my life just for revenge. To me, marriage means love." Sterling chuckled, a low, amused sound—as if laughing at her innocence. "Marriage comes in many forms," he said. "The kind you're talking about is the most fragile of all." Then his tone shifted—darker, firmer."And what ever made you think I meant a fake marriage?" Claudia's breath caught. "You're serious?" He leaned in, gaze steady. "Even if there's an agreement, marriage is still marriage. Of course it's real. Ms. Lancaster, you're cautious, and that's good—but I wouldn't marry just anyone for show." He smiled faintly, his voice dropping to a dangerous murmur. "After all, a marriage means sharing a bed. Or are you trying to run away from your duties as a wife?"