Elite Weddings, Winnings, Wars & Woes

My name's Skylar Sothisby. I became the heiress to an internationally renowned fine and decorative art auction house after my brother, Dean, died in a car crash.

Like any head of an elite family, my father wanted a successor for our empire. He selected three exceptionally handsome and talented young men and groomed them into business geniuses in their own right, so that one day I could choose one of them as my husband.

Of the three, Corbin Ford was his favorite. I tried to grow close to him as well, but he always kept a certain distance. I began to wonder if he was either celibate or inclined the other way, until one day I overheard him speaking to Irina, my late brother's widow, in the courtyard.

"You know why I agreed to marry Skylar, don't you, Irina? So I can see you every day." He continued, "Once I become the head of the family business, I'll give you anything and everything you want, sweetie."

Before a company soirée, my father summoned me to his study. He asked whether I had decided whom to marry.

I smiled. "I choose Cyrus Brennan."

He stared at me in shock. "Cyrus? But he's effectively vasectomized after that plane accident two years ago. He can't have children."

I smiled. "And? It's my life. I won't regret it."

My father's hands shook. "No, no! Skylar, please! Just pick one of those three. You know your life will be better this way."

My father loved my mother so much that he could not bring himself to love anyone else after she died. At the same time, he knew the company's board was waiting for a chance to strike and take our family business, so he had been worried.

"Cyrus' condition is unfortunate, but he has something we truly need. His company holds the Aslan-Pacific region," I added, my tone firm.

My father finally sighed.

…

The soiree opened in a dazzle of lights.

The room buzzed with conversation, but I stood alone in a corner.

Irina wore a pastel-pink evening gown. She approached with a graceful gait and a winning smile, then leaned close to my ear with feigned warmth. "Oh my God, why are you standing here all alone? You should be talking to the three princes your dad groomed for you, sweetie. Or… have you already found someone you like?"

My muscles tensed. I was about to respond when she suddenly cried out and fell backward, splashing wine across her dress.

"What was that for, Skylar? I was just trying to have a pleasant conversation!" she shrieked, voice trembling.

Corbin appeared at her side in an instant. He glared at me. "How could you? She's your sister-in-law!"

I had had enough and scoffed. "Oh, really? I doubt it. Why don't you tell everyone about your relationship with her? Everyone's here for the announcement."

Panic flashed in Irina's eyes. "W-What are you talking about?"

The hall had heard me. The noise faded, the air