Chapter 1

My brother Leo met me at JFK, his smile wide enough to split his face.

"Chloe, you're finally back."

He pulled me into a hug that smelled like expensive cologne and home.

Four years in London, launching the European subsidiary of Vanderbilt Press, had been a success. Wharton MBA, a proven track record. I was back to take my rightful place.

"To celebrate," Leo said, tossing my luggage into the back of his Porsche, "I'm buying you a welcome-home gift. Anything you want."

He took me to an exclusive art gallery in Chelsea. The walls were white, the air was still, and the art was electric.

My eyes landed on a painting. It was a chaotic swirl of blues and golds, vibrant and alive. It felt like New York.

"That one," I said. "I love it."

Leo didn't even look at the price tag. He just nodded to the gallery owner. "We'll take it."

As the owner was processing the payment, the gallery door flew open with a bang.

A woman stormed in. Ashley.

I hadn't seen her in four years, but I recognized the look in her eyes instantly. Pure, undiluted venom.

She marched straight up to me. Her hand flew through the air.

Smack.

The sound echoed in the silent gallery. My cheek stung.

"Who the hell are you?" she shrieked, her voice shrill. "A gold-digging groupie trying to scam my brother?"

She pointed a trembling finger at the painting.

"That's the one I wanted! Leo, you're buying it for me."

She turned to Leo, her face contorting into a mask of righteous fury.

"How dare you waste family money on this random slut! I'm telling Mom!"