Your Gold Digger is Actually A True Heiress by Vera Fiore

Chapter 1

Thalia Winters froze outside the private room at a high–end restaurant in Manhattan when she overheard voices discussing her boyfriend, Drake Ashcroft. She’d come to pick him up from his regular Thursday night drinks with friends.

“Drake, now that Sienna’s back from Paris, what’s your plan with Thalia?”

Drake’s voice carried that practiced Wall Street neutrality. “What do you mean?”

“Come on, man. You and Thalia have been together for three years. Sienna’s transfer back to the New York office changes things, doesn’t it?”

Through the gap in the door, Thalia watched Drake take a slow drag from his vape. In the dim light, he exhaled before speaking quietly: “I honestly don’t know. The last thing I want is to hurt Thalia, but Sienna… that’s complicated.”

His friend let out a low whistle. “Sienna was your college sweetheart. That relationship was epic–everyone at Yale still talks about it. No one’s judging you for not being over her.”

“Look,” another voice cut in, “Thalia’s been ride–or–die for three years, and she’s gorgeous. You’re telling me you’re still hung up on Sienna?”

Drake rubbed his temples, his voice carrying the weight of too many late nights at the office. “Yes, Thalia’s

stunning. But when I first asked her out… it was because she reminded me of Sienna. These past years, I’ve been chasing Sienna’s ghost.”

“So Thalia’s been your placeholder?” A heavy pause. “That’s messed up, bro.”

“When are you planning to end it?” someone asked.

Drake tapped his vape against the table, watching the light pulse. “Not sure. Thalia’s… she gets me. She

understands the crazy hours, never complains. Letting that go isn’t easy.”

One friend gripped Drake’s shoulder. “You can’t have your cake and eat it too, man. Time to man up and

make a call.”

“Or just keep both,” someone laughed. “If you feel bad, buy her something nice. Girls love that stuff.”

Drake scoffed. “Not all of us can juggle multiple dating apps like you, jackass.”

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Outside, Thalia’s lips curved into a bitter smile as she turned and walked out, her heels clicking against the marble floor.

She walked along the High Line, New York’s lights twinkling around her as she reflected on her three years with Drake. She’d thought what they had was real. Now she knew–she’d just been cosplaying his perfect ex.

Standing at an observation deck overlooking the city, Thalia faced a choice: continue down this path or finally accept her family’s wishes. A tear slid down her cheek as the autumn wind whipped her hair.

She made her decision.

Taking out her phone, she FaceTimed a number she’d been avoiding.

“Papa? About the arrangement with the Blackwood family in London… I’ll do it.”

The city lights cast their glow across the skyline that never sleeps. Standing beneath them, Thalia stared into the endless Manhattan night, her voice steady. “Nothing’s wrong. I’m just done with the dating scene. Time to be practical.”

“You were right all along. I shouldn’t have fought you on this and run off to New York. I get it now.”

once I’ve tied up loose ends here.”

Thalia finally returned to their penthouse, it was past

look and a

warm for Mr. Ashcroft. His stomach’s been acting up again. I was about

and headed to the master suite. The room was empty, though Drake’s

Showering this early?

set down

his laptop

JFK! Having dinner with the Paris team, but free after 11:30. Drinks at

minutes ago.

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Chapter 1

why he was rushing to shower–probably heading to their old college

on my career was the biggest mistake. Should’ve never let

But you still think about us too,

in Paris, but something was always off. Finally admitted to myself it’s because they weren’t

off this transfer to NYC for ages. Scared you’d hate me, wouldn’t want to see me, maybe had someone serious… scared you’d moved on.]

back then, Drake. Any

stood motionless, feeling her chest

chat when Drake’s reply popped

one thing, Si: do you still

laptop but still texting from

Thalia’s heart clenched.

was perpetually “in meetings” when she texted. She’d learned to stop trying, to be the “cool girlfriend” who

constant communication.

deed

Sienna, he’d reply

love and convenience couldn’t be

response was

have, always will. Only you

[See you soon?]

three years

closed WhatsApp, reset the mouse,

she poured herself a bowl of the broth she’d perfected for Drake’s stress–induced gastritis.

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Chapter 1

with gut–healing ingredients. It had taken months to

time–consuming and expensive, but he’d once mentioned

two years.

she finished her bowl, Drake

from the shower, hair styled, wearing a dark blazer she’d given him for Christmas.

Didn’t see you

some air,” Thalia replied softly.

grabbed his keys. “Got to handle something at the office.

empty bowl.

the elevator, silent for a moment before answering, “Might crash at the office if this

runs late.”

it.” The girl who