Ryan gave me the purest, most innocent kind of love–so much simpler and more genuine than anything I ever got from Jared or Nathan.

And now, I was about to shatter his heart.

My nose stung, and tears slipped from the corners of my dry, aching eyes. I leaned back on the couch, just waiting for morning to come. Scenes from my previous life flashed through my mind, and my mood hit rock bottom.

‘Whatever,’ I thought. ‘In this world, you have to put yourself first or you’ll get crushed. Maybe Ryan needs to lose me so he can find someone who’s truly right for him.’

The kind of person he deserved was someone from the same background as him, someone who could help him climb to the top both at home and in his career.

But that wasn’t me. Right now, I was so out of my depth–like a kid just learning to walk, stumbling with every step. I couldn’t keep up with him, and I’d only end up holding him back.

I wasn’t even sure if I was doing this for myself or for Ryan.

Sometimes, when I feel lost, I just look up at the mountains. If they stay silent, I just listen to my heart. That’s what Taoist wisdom is all about–trusting yourself to find a way out when you’re stuck.

As the sky started to lighten with the first hint of dawn, I made my way upstairs to find Edward.

He looked like he hadn’t slept either. He was sitting in the big black leather chair in his study on the second floor, lost in thought.

When he saw me, he just gave me a quick, indifferent glance and asked, “Have you made up your mind?”

I sniffled and nodded, “Yeah, I have.”

“What are your terms?” he asked.

I pointed at his notebook. “Let me write them down first. You can read them, and then we’ll talk.”

Edward handed me the pen and notebook. “Write.”

I sat quietly on the couch and started writing, while Edward sat in his chair, frowning as he watched me.

It took me half an hour to write down all my conditions, then I handed them to Edward.

Edward read over the list of demands I’d written, and for a second, his gaze turned a little stiff.

“Why not just ask me for cash?” he raised an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t it be quicker to just take it from me than to work for it yourself?”

I replied coolly, “Taking it would be illegal. Earning it myself is above board.”

Edward looked genuinely amused by that. He pressed the pen to his nose, laughing for a moment at my answer.

“So Nathan on your list–is he your side piece?” Edward smirked. “Victoria, look at you, living wild like this, and you still expect Ryan to stay innocent for you?”

I felt my cheeks burn and quickly looked away. “I don’t believe you could ever stick with one woman for your whole life. If men can do it, why can’t women?”

Edward just shrugged, sounding indifferent. “I’ve never thought men and women were any different. Rich, powerful women? They can be even wilder than men.”

Since he let my history slide, I cleared my throat. “So, will you agree to the first condition?”

Edward nodded. “It’s just a phone call for me–no big deal.”

“And the second one?” I asked.

Edward raised an eyebrow again. “You want me to teach you stock trading? Start with 1.6 million and have me help you turn it into 300 million in three years?”

“Yes,” I nodded.

Edward let out a couple of dry laughs. “You really think playing the stock market is that profitable?”

“Maybe not for most people, but you’re Edward. If anyone can pull it off, it’s you,” I said.

Edward looked a little surprised at my praise, then chuckled. “You sure know how to flatter me. Fine, I’ll get someone to show you the ropes. How much you pick up is on you. If you can’t hit 300 million in three years, I’ll make up the rest. You won’t be out a dime.”

“And if any good investment opportunities come up–especially in the domestic market–you need to get me a spot,” I said. Now that I’d decided to chase money, being with Edward meant that’s all my life was about now–just making money, nothing else.

“So you really want to be a rich woman, huh?” Edward stood up and came over, towering above me with that cocky look. “Don’t get too greedy, or you’ll end up choking on it.”

“I just want to experience what it’s like to be loaded,” I said. “I’ve already tasted the misery of being broke.”

Edward watched me with a smirk, then hooked a finger under my chin. “So, what do you think Ryan would do if he found out money mattered more to you than he does?”

I knocked his hand away. “You’ve pushed me this far, Edward. I’m done worrying about what he thinks.”

Edward glanced at his hand. “So, you’re cultivating the path of indifference now?”

Just as I was about to reply, I heard a car engine cut off downstairs, and then hurried footsteps coming inside.

Edward’s assistant rushed in, looking flustered. “Mr. Jennings, Ryan is here.”

We both looked stunned.