Chapter 3

Lily's POV

Walter Sterling led me to a room on the third floor.

"This will be your room," he said as he pushed open the door.

The bedroom was larger than my entire house in Blue Mountain.

Sunlight poured in through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating a king-sized four-poster bed, a seating area with luxurious furniture, and a walk-in closet larger than most apartments.

"I hope you like it," Walter said, his voice carrying genuine concern. "If you need anything changed, just tell Ang."

I looked at him, at the silver strands mixed with his dark hair, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes that deepened when he smiled.

He had been kind to me since I was a child.

Seeing him now made me miss my father even more.

Dad and Walter had been friends since their Harvard days.

Now that Dad was gone, Walter was the closest thing to family I had left.

My expression must have betrayed my thoughts, because Walter's face softened.

"James would be proud of you, Lily," he said gently.

"I know this situation isn't ideal, but I'm glad you're here. Change always takes time, doesn't it?"

I swallowed the lump in my throat.

"Thank you."

"Rest now," he awkwardly patted my shoulder.

"I'll have someone call you when dinner is ready."

After he left, I sat on the comfortable bed, contemplating what kind of crazy situation I had gotten myself into.

The atmosphere at dinner that evening was tense.

Elizabeth's glare was cold enough to freeze hell, and the five Sterling brothers alternated between curiously staring at me and pretending I didn't exist.

Only Walter made an effort to maintain conversation, asking about my journey and if the room was comfortable.

As dessert was being served, Walter pulled a small envelope from his suit pocket and pushed it toward me.

"This is for you, Lily. A card linked to the family account. Use it to buy anything you need: clothes, transportation, personal items. Don't hesitate—it's a welcome gift."

I opened the envelope to find a black credit card with my name printed on it.

Before I could respond, Elizabeth let out an exaggerated sigh.

"Tsk, tsk, why pretend to be above this?" she said, her voice dripping with contempt.

"Why pretend to be superior? We all know the only reason you're here is for the Sterling family's money."

"Elizabeth!" Walter's voice exploded across the table.

She shrugged, muttering, "Just stating the obvious."

The phone in my pocket vibrated.

I discreetly checked the message:

"Boss, quarterly profits are in: $382 million. Already transferred to your account."

I couldn't help the slight smile that formed at the corner of my lips.

Money was the last thing I needed.

The rest of the evening passed in tense politeness, and I retreated to my room as soon as social etiquette allowed.

The next morning.

Tyler informed me that Walter had already gone to the company, and the Sterling brothers were just having breakfast.

I walked into the dining room to find all five brothers seated at the enormous table.

No sooner had I sat down than William's deep voice broke the silence.

"Father asked us to show you around the city, but I have a board meeting today," he stated flatly, not even looking up at me.

"The others can show you around the city."

With that, he stood up, straightened his impeccable suit, and walked out without another word.

The remaining brothers quickly followed suit.

"Sorry, Lily, I have a film shoot today. Can't reschedule," Henry said, at least offering an apologetic smile.

"The hospital has scheduled two surgeries," Samuel added, his tone calm and objective.

"Business trip," Thomas shrugged, not even trying to make the excuse sound believable.

"Got class," Michael mumbled, texting as he walked away.

And just like that, I was left alone at the breakfast table.

I rolled my eyes and helped myself to the pastries and fruit. At least the food was delicious.

I spent the rest of the day in my room, exploring every inch of my new territory and mentally noting potential escape routes, a habit I'd formed years ago.

As night fell, my phone rang, displaying a familiar name on the screen.

"Lucas," I answered. "What is it?"

"So you really are in New York," my right-hand man said.

"I thought you might have been joking about this whole arranged marriage thing."

"Unfortunately, it's no joke," I explained.

"Have dinner with me," he said. "I need to brief you on some Azure matters anyway, and if you refuse, I'll come to the Sterling mansion to get you myself."

I sighed, knowing he would absolutely do just that. "Fine. Send me the address."

Thirty minutes later, after informing Tyler I was going out, I left the Sterling estate in a taxi.

Lucas was waiting for me at an upscale restaurant in Midtown, his tailored suit and sharp features drawing appreciative glances from nearby diners.

As the public face of Azure's Chief Operating Officer, he was used to such attention.

During dinner, Lucas updated me on several ongoing projects, after which he insisted we continue our conversation at an exclusive bar nearby.

"So," we settled into a dimly lit corner with drinks in hand, "is anyone giving you trouble at the Sterling mansion? Just say the word, and I'll take care of it."

I laughed.

"Who could possibly bully me?"

Lucas considered this for a moment, then smiled.

"True. You're more likely to be the one doing the bullying."

"I'm wounded by that accusation," I said, pretending to be hurt as I placed my hand on my chest.

His expression turned serious.

"Are you really going through with this? Actually getting engaged to one of those Sterling guys?"

I stirred the amber liquid in my glass.

"I don't know yet. I promised my father I would respect this arrangement, but..."

"But you'll do it your way," Lucas finished for me, knowing me too well.

"Of course."

As we continued our conversation on the bar's first floor, no one noticed the vigilant eyes observing our every move from the VIP area on the second floor above.