Richest Mogul

Escape was paramount, as was ensuring her own safety. Vivian didn't know if Manfred had woken up yet. The thought of him trapped under the bed, possibly gasping for air, gnawed at her.

She had no idea how long she'd been out. She could only pray he was safe and that he would find her. But would Manfred realize Sterling was behind her disappearance?

As her mind raced, the door suddenly opened.

"Has she woken up yet?"

"No, Mr. Bowman. I've been watching her this whole time, and she hasn't stirred."

Sterling narrowed his eyes. "She should be awake by now."

The two maids kept their heads down, unsure of how to respond. They had no way of knowing exactly when she would wake up.

Sterling loomed over the bed, scrutinizing Vivian.

Pretending to be asleep might fool the maids, but Sterling wouldn't be so easily deceived. Without hesitation, Vivian opened her eyes.

Their gazes met instantly.

A flicker of amusement lit Sterling's eyes. "Awake?"

Vivian sat up. Just one look at him made her skin crawl.

"From now on, you will stay here as my mistress," Sterling declared. He wasted no time and openly bestowed Vivian with a title.

disbelief. None had expected such an elevation in status for

to stand at Sterling's side. Yet,

"I belong to

weapon on her. If she had a dagger, she would have taken

rejection. Instead, he

of man he is? You'd rather be with him than with me? If word spread in Everholm, they'd think you'd gone

was mocking, like he'd heard the most ridiculous

didn't find it

replaced by a dark glare as he leaned closer. "Do you really think you have a

power. Their lives and survival were bound to

matter how captivating Vivian was, if she defied him, he wouldn't hesitate to

was no point in arguing now. She had no weapon, no opportunity, and too many

Sterling

preted her silence as

shifted to a

one. "Behave, andet

five

than you ever

hers—he had plans

knew too many people would be vying for the attention of

woman.

"You must be hungry."

instructed the maids, "Go