Chapter 1

My father called me from the classified federal agency where I work in Washington, asking me to fly back to Chicago to meet a potential match he'd arranged.

The guy apparently had everything going for him - not only was he devastatingly handsome, but he was also one of the city's most famous billionaires.

Before my departure, the Director personally coordinated with American Airlines executives to ensure absolute confidentiality regarding my identity and travel itinerary.

I boarded the flight at the scheduled time and made my way to my first-class seat.

Just as I was about to sit down, someone shoved me hard from behind.

Before I could react, the person arrogantly whipped out a thick stack of hundred-dollar bills.

"This seat's mine now. Take the money and get lost."

I suppressed my anger and shot back,

"This is clearly my reserved seat. What gives you the right to kick me out?"

Faced with my challenge, she looked at me with complete disdain.

"What gives me the right?"

"I'm Mr. Sterling's personal secretary. In Chicago, even the birds flying overhead belong to the Sterling family. Got it?"

I froze for a few seconds, then pulled out my phone and dialed that man's number.

"Your employee says the Sterling family runs all of Chicago. Is that true?"

......

If it weren't for my father's sake, I wouldn't even bother making this call.

Stealing my designated seat wasn't something that could be solved with a few bills. If she showed some remorse, I might consider letting it slide.

"I'm busy. Whatever you have to say, make it quick." The man's voice dripped with impatience.

"Mr. Sterling, I think you should ask your personal secretary what exactly she's trying to pull here."

I was about to hand over the phone when the line went dead.

I stood there stunned.

Do all rich people have such terrible attitudes?

Seeing this unfold, the woman who'd stolen my seat was practically grinning from ear to ear.

"Oh my God, I thought you were somebody important. Turns out Mr. Sterling can't even be bothered to take your calls."

Seeing that I was barely in my twenties and dressed quite simply, she didn't consider me worth her attention at all.

"Ma'am, are you going to be reasonable about this or not?"

"You're the one who stole my seat, I haven't even confronted you about it, and now you're mocking me?"

I pointed toward the nearby flight attendants.

"There are federal air marshals on this plane. If you keep causing trouble, believe me, I'll call security right now!"

Hearing me threaten to call the police only made her more brazen.

"Cut the crap. Save your breath."

"Even this airline has massive Sterling family investments. You think anyone's going to help you?"

She got more excited as she spoke, practically spitting in my face.

I clenched my fists and instinctively took a step back.

"You keep going on about Mr. Sterling and the Sterling family. Let me ask you, what exactly is your relationship to them?"

The moment I finished speaking, she shoved me again.

"My relationship with the Sterling family is none of your business. Get out of my way!"

"If you don't move, believe me, you won't be walking off this plane in one piece!"

Having spent years at a classified agency in Washington with minimal outside contact, I had no idea how to deal with such a crude woman.

Seeing her arrogant attitude, my anger started boiling over.

"Fine, so you steal my seat, and now you're threatening me. Do you think you're some kind of queen?"

As soon as I finished speaking, passengers throughout the cabin gasped in shock.

"This girl's got some nerve, talking to Victoria like that. She's practically asking for death!"

"It's just a seat. Giving it up wouldn't kill her. If she really pisses off the Sterling family, she's the one who'll suffer."

"Poor thing... she had to mess with anyone else, but she picked Victoria, Mr. Sterling's right-hand woman!"

As the murmurs around us grew louder, this Victoria woman's expression became increasingly smug.

"You uncultured bitch, how dare you insult me! I think you're tired of living!"

Faced with her threats, I couldn't care less - I actually found it somewhat amusing.

"Ms. Bennett, I suggest you watch your mouth."

"If you really manage to piss me off, even your boss won't be able to handle the consequences."

"Shut your filthy mouth!"

After cursing at me, she apparently wasn't satisfied and rolled up her expensive silk sleeves, charging toward me.

"What? Ready to throw hands over a disagreement?"

She swung at me several times but couldn't even touch the hem of my trench coat, which immediately infuriated her.

"Try dodging one more time!"

"Believe me, I'll call Mr. Sterling right now!"

Faced with this secretary's repeated provocations, I didn't fight back - I just kept retreating.

It wasn't because I was afraid of her, but because before leaving Washington, the Director had repeatedly warned me:

"Your every word and action represents the image of our federal agency. Once you're out there, never engage in physical confrontations with civilians."

Besides, I didn't know how to fight like ordinary people. The special training we received at the agency was simple: either don't strike, or strike to kill.

Seeing my silence, Victoria thought I was backing down and raised her hand to charge at me again.

At the critical moment, an angry roar came from behind us.

"Stop!"