Ivy Sawyer was at the end of her rope when she saved a billionaire's daughter. When the man offered her anything she wanted, she didn't ask for a 'thank you.' She asked for a deal: A ring on her finger and $200,000 in her bank account. Alaric Foster, a man of immense power and even colder blood, accepted. To him, she was just another heartless opportunist with a pretty face. He married her for his daughter’s sake, but he vowed never to give her his heart. What he didn't know was that Ivy wasn't marrying him for his fortune. She was selling her future to settle a blood debt that had haunted her for twenty years. She wasn’t getting rich; she was getting free. Year One: Alaric watched her with disdain. She’s obsessed with money, he thought. I’ll never let my guard down. Year Two: He watched her with curiosity—and a growing ache. She’s so fragile, he realized. Maybe I should give her more. After all, I have more wealth than I could ever spend. Year Three: Alaric finally realized he was irrevocably in love. He was ready to lay his entire empire at her feet. But then, Ivy walked into his office and placed a check for $200,000 on his desk. "Mr. Foster, thank you for helping me back then. The debt is paid. Now, I’d like a divorce." That was the moment the untouchable CEO finally shattered. Trembling with a panic he had never known, he gripped her hand, his eyes bloodshot and desperate. "Who wants your money? You think you can just walk in and out of my life? Let me tell you something, Ivy—in my dictionary, there is no such thing as 'divorced.' Only 'widowed.'" He didn't just buy a wife. He found his only weakness.

Chapter 1Ivy Sawyer married for a $200,000 settlement.The man was ten years older than her and had a five-year-old daughter.After giving the settlement to her parents as repayment for raising her, Ivy packed her meager belongings and moved out.Arriving at the address her new husband had given her, she stared at the magnificent estate before her.Ivy thought she had the wrong place.Just as she was about to turn and leave, a sweet, clear young voice rang out from nearby."Ivy, you're finally here!"Before Ivy could react, the little girl threw herself forward, hugging Ivy's legs. She tilted her round head up, beaming brightly.Ivy knelt to hug her back, asking in disbelief,"Is this your house?"Stella nodded, taking Ivy's hand with her soft little fingers and leading her into the villa.The housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, hurried over to take Ivy's luggage.Ivy still couldn't quite believe it.The man she married was actually this wealthy. He had casually handed over a $200,000 settlement and lived in such a luxurious home.But then again, the man did have an extraordinary presence and dressed impeccably.Even though he was thirty-two, he was undeniably handsome.At the very least, he was miles better than the disabled old man her parents had tried to force her to marry.Following the child into the villa, Ivy took in the bright, lavish decor. The gleaming marble and gold accents caught the light beautifully.It was as luxurious as a palace.She was in awe.Mrs. Gable stepped forward and gestured."Mrs. Foster, right this way upstairs. I'll show you to your room so you can get settled."Ivy nodded, nervously following Mrs. Gable while holding the child's hand.Mrs. Gable led her to the room, put her luggage away, gave her a few instructions, and then left with the child.Standing in the elegantly minimalist room, Ivy looked down at her outfit.White sneakers, jeans, and a white t-shirt. She looked completely out of place in such an opulent setting.She remembered Mrs. Gable mentioning that clothes had been prepared for her and that the bathroom was just next door.Eager to blend into this home, take good care of Stella, and fulfill her duties,Ivy grabbed some loungewear from the closet and went into the bathroom.Soaking in the warm, comfortable bathtub, she recalled the events of three days ago. It still felt like a dream.She was only twenty-two, freshly graduated and interning at Metropolitan General.Yet her parents had been forcing her to return to her hometown for blind dates and marriage.When she refused, her parents threatened to end their own lives, claiming they had already accepted a $200,000 settlement.The settlement had already been spent on buying a house for her brother.Left with no choice, Ivy returned home to meet the man.It turned out the man was in his forties and missing a leg.Seeing him, Ivy had only one thought: she wanted to die.She returned to the city, finalized her work arrangements, and sought out a quiet place to end it all.But then she saw Stella fall into the water.Without hesitation, she jumped into the lake to save her.Thanks to her nursing background and relentless efforts, she managed to pull Stella back from the brink of death.The next day, Stella's father found her. He asked what she wanted, offering her money or to grant her one unconditional wish.Ivy had looked at him blankly.She blurted out, "Your daughter said you're single. Will you marry me? But you have to give me a $200,000 settlement."Ivy knew.No man would agree to that.But Stella's father agreed.He transferred the $200,000 to her on the spot and took her to City Hall to get their marriage license.Ivy also knew that his willingness to marry her was just to find a stepmother for his child.She had no idea where Stella's real mother was.Or how Stella's parents had divorced.Perhaps she was just too exhausted.Leaning back in the tub, Ivy had no idea when she drifted off to sleep.Ultimately, it was Mrs. Gable who woke her up, reminding her gently,"Mrs. Foster, Mr. Foster is back. Please get ready and come downstairs to have dinner with him and Stella."Ivy didn't dare to dawdle. She hurried out of the water, changed into her clothes, and walked softly downstairs in her cotton slippers.In the living room.The man, dressed in a custom-tailored suit, looked dashing, composed, and exuded an air of nobility.Perhaps because he was older, Ivy always felt that his presence was far too overwhelming when she faced him.It made it hard for her to even breathe evenly.Pressing her lips together, she walked over and greeted him nervously."You're back."Alaric Foster looked up.His gaze swept over the girl, but he paid her little mind.A woman who married him for money—what difference was there between her and the women outside who schemed their way into his bed?If she hadn't saved his daughter.The position of Mrs. Foster would never have fallen into her lap."Let's eat."Alaric stood up, dropped the words coldly, and headed to the dining room.Watching his aloof and indifferent demeanor, Ivy laughed at herself inwardly.Why would someone like him ever like her?She had merely saved his daughter's life, and in return, she demanded $200,000 from him.And now, she had moved into his house as his wife.Anyone would feel uncomfortable with that.Ivy despised herself for it, too.But she really needed a husband.Otherwise, her parents would just force her to marry someone else.Rather than marrying some wretched creep from her village, it was better to stay here and be a stepmother to Stella.At least this husband was easy on the eyes.And Stella liked her."Ivy, Daddy said you're going to stay and keep me company forever, and that you can be my mommy. Is it true?"The child tilted her head up, her bright, starry eyes looking at Ivy with innocent joy.Ivy took her hand, infected by the child's smile, and smiled back."Yes, I'll be staying to take care of you from now on.""Wow, that's amazing! You get to be with me forever!"Stella asked again, "Daddy said you could be my mommy. Can I call you Mommy from now on?"Ivy nodded, gently stroking her head. "You can."She had already married to be someone's stepmother, so why shouldn't she let the child call her Mommy?Ivy lifted the child onto a chair and took a seat opposite the man.He remained silent, and she didn't know what to say. As she kept her head down to eat, her eyes involuntarily darted toward him.Alaric maintained his expressionless face, not uttering a single word. After finishing his meal, he got up and left.Ivy watched his retreating back, a bitter taste lingering in her mouth.But maybe this was for the best.Her husband didn't like her and didn't want to spend time with her, which meant he probably wouldn't touch her or expect her to fulfill any marital duties.Once she saved up $200,000, she would return the money and ask for a divorce.That night, after Ivy tucked Stella into bed.She thought about just sleeping in the child's room as well.But Alaric appeared at the doorway, saying to her,"Come out. We need to talk."Ivy didn't hesitate. She quickly got out of bed and followed him to the master bedroom.The man walked over and sat on the sofa in the sitting area, gesturing toward the items on the coffee table."Here's an agreement. Sign it."Ivy stared at the prenuptial and non-disclosure agreements. Without any hesitation, she obediently picked up the pen and signed her name.She didn't read the contents.She had no idea what it said.Alaric watched her actions and reminded her, "You're not going to read it?"Only then did Ivy look at him."I know what you mean, Mr. Foster. Don't worry, I won't let anyone know I'm your wife, and I won't spend a single cent of your money."Chapter 2Ivy Sawyer married for a $200,000 settlement.The man was ten years older than her and had a five-year-old daughter.After giving the settlement to her parents as repayment for raising her, Ivy packed her meager belongings and moved out.Arriving at the address her new husband had given her, she stared at the magnificent estate before her.Ivy thought she had the wrong place.Just as she was about to turn and leave, a sweet, clear young voice rang out from nearby."Ivy, you're finally here!"Before Ivy could react, the little girl threw herself forward, hugging Ivy's legs. She tilted her round head up, beaming brightly.Ivy knelt to hug her back, asking in disbelief,"Is this your house?"Stella nodded, taking Ivy's hand with her soft little fingers and leading her into the villa.The housekeeper, Mrs. Gable, hurried over to take Ivy's luggage.Ivy still couldn't quite believe it.The man she married was actually this wealthy. He had casually handed over a $200,000 settlement and lived in such a luxurious home.But then again, the man did have an extraordinary presence and dressed impeccably.Even though he was thirty-two, he was undeniably handsome.At the very least, he was miles better than the disabled old man her parents had tried to force her to marry.Following the child into the villa, Ivy took in the bright, lavish decor. The gleaming marble and gold accents caught the light beautifully.It was as luxurious as a palace.She was in awe.Mrs. Gable stepped forward and gestured."Mrs. Foster, right this way upstairs. I'll show you to your room so you can get settled."Ivy nodded, nervously following Mrs. Gable while holding the child's hand.Mrs. Gable led her to the room, put her luggage away, gave her a few instructions, and then left with the child.Standing in the elegantly minimalist room, Ivy looked down at her outfit.White sneakers, jeans, and a white t-shirt. She looked completely out of place in such an opulent setting.She remembered Mrs. Gable mentioning that clothes had been prepared for her and that the bathroom was just next door.Eager to blend into this home, take good care of Stella, and fulfill her duties,Ivy grabbed some loungewear from the closet and went into the bathroom.Soaking in the warm, comfortable bathtub, she recalled the events of three days ago. It still felt like a dream.She was only twenty-two, freshly graduated and interning at Metropolitan General.Yet her parents had been forcing her to return to her hometown for blind dates and marriage.When she refused, her parents threatened to end their own lives, claiming they had already accepted a $200,000 settlement.The settlement had already been spent on buying a house for her brother.Left with no choice, Ivy returned home to meet the man.It turned out the man was in his forties and missing a leg.Seeing him, Ivy had only one thought: she wanted to die.She returned to the city, finalized her work arrangements, and sought out a quiet place to end it all.But then she saw Stella fall into the water.Without hesitation, she jumped into the lake to save her.Thanks to her nursing background and relentless efforts, she managed to pull Stella back from the brink of death.The next day, Stella's father found her. He asked what she wanted, offering her money or to grant her one unconditional wish.Ivy had looked at him blankly.She blurted out, "Your daughter said you're single. Will you marry me? But you have to give me a $200,000 settlement."Ivy knew.No man would agree to that.But Stella's father agreed.He transferred the $200,000 to her on the spot and took her to City Hall to get their marriage license.Ivy also knew that his willingness to marry her was just to find a stepmother for his child.She had no idea where Stella's real mother was.Or how Stella's parents had divorced.Perhaps she was just too exhausted.Leaning back in the tub, Ivy had no idea when she drifted off to sleep.Ultimately, it was Mrs. Gable who woke her up, reminding her gently,"Mrs. Foster, Mr. Foster is back. Please get ready and come downstairs to have dinner with him and Stella."Ivy didn't dare to dawdle. She hurried out of the water, changed into her clothes, and walked softly downstairs in her cotton slippers.In the living room.The man, dressed in a custom-tailored suit, looked dashing, composed, and exuded an air of nobility.Perhaps because he was older, Ivy always felt that his presence was far too overwhelming when she faced him.It made it hard for her to even breathe evenly.Pressing her lips together, she walked over and greeted him nervously."You're back."Alaric Foster looked up.His gaze swept over the girl, but he paid her little mind.A woman who married him for money—what difference was there between her and the women outside who schemed their way into his bed?If she hadn't saved his daughter.The position of Mrs. Foster would never have fallen into her lap."Let's eat."Alaric stood up, dropped the words coldly, and headed to the dining room.Watching his aloof and indifferent demeanor, Ivy laughed at herself inwardly.Why would someone like him ever like her?She had merely saved his daughter's life, and in return, she demanded $200,000 from him.And now, she had moved into his house as his wife.Anyone would feel uncomfortable with that.Ivy despised herself for it, too.But she really needed a husband.Otherwise, her parents would just force her to marry someone else.Rather than marrying some wretched creep from her village, it was better to stay here and be a stepmother to Stella.At least this husband was easy on the eyes.And Stella liked her."Ivy, Daddy said you're going to stay and keep me company forever, and that you can be my mommy. Is it true?"The child tilted her head up, her bright, starry eyes looking at Ivy with innocent joy.Ivy took her hand, infected by the child's smile, and smiled back."Yes, I'll be staying to take care of you from now on.""Wow, that's amazing! You get to be with me forever!"Stella asked again, "Daddy said you could be my mommy. Can I call you Mommy from now on?"Ivy nodded, gently stroking her head. "You can."She had already married to be someone's stepmother, so why shouldn't she let the child call her Mommy?Ivy lifted the child onto a chair and took a seat opposite the man.He remained silent, and she didn't know what to say. As she kept her head down to eat, her eyes involuntarily darted toward him.Alaric maintained his expressionless face, not uttering a single word. After finishing his meal, he got up and left.Ivy watched his retreating back, a bitter taste lingering in her mouth.But maybe this was for the best.Her husband didn't like her and didn't want to spend time with her, which meant he probably wouldn't touch her or expect her to fulfill any marital duties.Once she saved up $200,000, she would return the money and ask for a divorce.That night, after Ivy tucked Stella into bed.She thought about just sleeping in the child's room as well.But Alaric appeared at the doorway, saying to her,"Come out. We need to talk."Ivy didn't hesitate. She quickly got out of bed and followed him to the master bedroom.The man walked over and sat on the sofa in the sitting area, gesturing toward the items on the coffee table."Here's an agreement. Sign it."Ivy stared at the prenuptial and non-disclosure agreements. Without any hesitation, she obediently picked up the pen and signed her name.She didn't read the contents.She had no idea what it said.Alaric watched her actions and reminded her, "You're not going to read it?"Only then did Ivy look at him."I know what you mean, Mr. Foster. Don't worry, I won't let anyone know I'm your wife, and I won't spend a single cent of your money."Chapter 3Alaric was a bit taken aback.But on second thought, was that even possible?If she really wasn't going to spend his money, then what was that $200,000 all about?He wasn't a stingy man, so he stared at Ivy and patiently explained,"It's true that I don't want anyone to know you're my wife. As for money, in exchange for keeping my daughter company, I'll give you twenty thousand dollars a month."Ivy was stunned to hear she would get twenty thousand a month.Although she was incredibly tempted, she shook her head and declined."That's not necessary, Mr. Foster. I have a job and can earn my own money. I'm already grateful that you've given me a place to live. Taking care of Stella is the least I can do. You don't need to give me any more money.""Do you have to speak to me so formally? Or do I look that old to you?"Alaric's face darkened, clearly displeased.He was only in his early thirties, in the prime of his life.Why did her tone make him sound like some elderly relative?Ivy quickly bowed her head in apology. "I'm sorry. I'll be more mindful from now on."Alaric continued,"It's exactly as I said. You'll get twenty thousand a month for living expenses, and you are forbidden from telling anyone about our relationship."Having said his piece, he stood up to leave, only to suddenly realize that this was the master bedroom.He wasn't the one who needed to leave.Alaric paused and glanced at the girl standing beside him, who still looked timid, and asked,"Are you willing to fulfill your duties as a wife?"Hearing this, Ivy froze and looked up at him.To her, this man was incredibly tall.He had to be at least six foot two; she always had to crane her neck to look at him.Hearing his question, she hastily and guiltily lowered her head, clutching the hem of her shirt tightly, clearly not knowing how to answer.Seeing her embarrassment, Alaric didn't press the issue and simply said,"If you ever decide you want to fulfill your marital duties, you can come into this room at night. When that happens, I'll give you another sum of money. You can go back and rest now."He figured that since he had put it that way.This girl was probably dying to stay the night.A vain, materialistic woman would do anything for money.But a second later.Ivy bowed deeply and quickly rushed out of the room, leaving without looking back.Alaric was left speechless.What an act!Since it was her first day here, she obviously felt the need to play hard to get.Being too eager would only make her repulsive.Alaric had to admit, the girl had quite the acting chops.Ivy returned to the room Mrs. Gable had prepared for her and let out a heavy sigh of relief.What did Mr. Foster mean?If she was willing to fulfill her marital duties, he would give her more money.How was that any different from treating her like a common seller?She admitted she owed him $200,000.If Mr. Foster hadn't offered her money for it, she might have actually fulfilled those duties.But now, she wouldn't even entertain the thought.She wasn't the type to sell her soul for cash.That night, perhaps due to the unfamiliar environment, Ivy didn't sleep well.She had several nightmares.As a result, she woke up at the first light of dawn.Thinking that since she was living in someone else's house, she ought to contribute somehow.Ivy went downstairs to the kitchen.By the time Alaric woke up, dressed impeccably, and came downstairs, Ivy had already prepared breakfast.Mrs. Gable hurried over after attending to Stella and couldn't help but praise Ivy to Alaric."Mr. Foster, Mrs. Foster is so hardworking. She got up at the crack of dawn to get to work. I couldn't even stop her.""She made all of this herself."Alaric looked at the girl emerging from the kitchen.He was clearly a little impressed.He had assumed she was just a gold-digging trophy wife who would do nothing but lounge around after marrying him.He didn't expect her to know how to cook.She was so eager to show off, probably trying to get him to drop his prejudices against her.Alaric didn't praise Ivy's diligence. Instead, he coldly turned to Mrs. Gable and said,"If you can't handle your own job, I can easily replace you."Mrs. Gable panicked upon hearing this and quickly apologized."I'm sorry, Sir. I won't do it again. I promise I won't let Mrs. Foster in the kitchen next time."Ivy was baffled by this exchange and hurriedly tried to explain to Alaric.