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.

their expressions full of disbelief. None had expected such an elevation in status for a woman of Vivian's

beauty acquired from the black market like her—a lowborn-had no right to stand at Sterling's side. Yet, here she was, receiving what many in the mansion

said, "I belong to

dagger, she would have taken her chance to hold

flinch at her rejection. Instead, he let out a hearty

what kind of man he is? You'd rather be with him than with me? If

he'd heard the

find it

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

Sterling, women had no power. Their lives and survival were bound to the men who owned them. Resistance only

if she defied him, he wouldn't hesitate to make her regret

There 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

people would be vying

woman.

"You must be hungry."

then promptly instructed the maids, "Go prepare a meal for