Marcus Blackwood had been waiting for this moment — not out of love, but for revenge.

This marriage was a necessary step in his plan to bring down the Sterling family. Marrying Victoria Sterling, the golden child, the crown jewel of Harrison Sterling’s empire, would have put him exactly where he needed to be. But unfortunately, the moment Marcus lifted the veil, the world around him seemed to stop.

This wasn’t Victoria Sterling. A flicker of disbelief crossed his usually unreadable face as he stared at the woman before him. Marcus’s entire body went rigid. His sharp, calculated mind processed the situation in seconds. This was a setup. A deception. His voice was cold, his countenance sharp, still maintaining his composure amidst the recent disappointment and new discovery.

“Is this some kind of joke?” he muttered, but audible enough for Mr. Harrison Sterling to understand his dismay.

Whispers were beginning to spread through the grand hall. The priest had already asked for the couple to say their vows, but Marcus was already losing composure. He didn’t seem to care for the words coming from the priest’s mouth. Instead, his jaw tightened as he turned away from the woman who was now — or rather, about to legally be — his bride.

“I am sorry. I think I am a bit overwhelmed. Where is Mr. Sterling?” His voice echoed through the cathedral as he searched for his supposed father-in-law among the crowd — a crowd of just Sterling family members and close associates.

Harrison stepped forward from the front row, adjusting his tie with an air of calm authority. Of course he had expected this reaction. He had just switched the brides. Marcus was supposed to marry Victoria. At least that was what he had been led to believe. And just this very moment, he had made Catherine Sterling walk down the aisle instead. He knew Marcus would be shocked. He had not given him any heads-up whatsoever. Harrison Sterling was a ruthless man. He was going to bend the almighty Marcus Blackwood. The youngest billionaire was no match for him in terms of surprises.

“A word, Mr. Blackwood,” Harrison called, gesturing toward the hallway.

Marcus followed, his every step laced with tension, his fists clenched at his sides. He knew how vile and fraudulent Harrison was, but this was below the belt. And right now, he was not going to let this man ruin his plan — no matter what. He had spent years planning the perfect revenge against the Sterlings, and marrying Victoria in a contract marriage was just the beginning.

This was a setup. A game the Sterlings knew how to play all too well. He was familiar with it. He was not going to indulge or be a pawn in their game.

The moment they were alone, Marcus turned to face the man who had orchestrated this deceit.

“What is the meaning of this, Sterling? We had a deal. Why do I have a different bride at the altar?” Marcus said, his tone laced with fury.

Harrison sighed dramatically, shaking his head as if dealing with a naïve child.

“I know you must be confused,” he began, smoothing down his jacket when Marcus finally released him. “Today, you were meant to marry my daughter Victoria. However, that is no longer possible.”

Marcus’s eyes darkened. “That is not my question, Sterling. Don’t state the obvious. The question is — why? I agreed to this marriage for Victoria.” His voice hissed through the tension. “Where the hell is she?”

Harrison exhaled slowly, as if burdened by some great responsibility. “Victoria had a change of heart. She decided not to go through with the marriage. You see, my daughter is quite… sensitive. I didn’t want to cause a scene.”

“Instead you swapped her!” Marcus’s voice was deadly quiet.

Marcus’s stare bored into him. A change of heart? All of a sudden he was a man that cared about feelings and emotions? Marcus could see through his act. The Harrison Sterling he knew would do anything without considering feelings or emotions. Weeks ago, he had been ready to sell off Victoria to the highest bidder. And now he was a loving father? There was another reason. Marcus could sense it. He just didn’t know what it was. With Sterling, whatever that reason might be, it could put his revenge plans in jeopardy. It meant that Sterling was a step ahead of him. His revenge was not just about a bride. It was about which bride.

Harrison continued, his voice perfectly calculated. “Now tell me, Marcus… would you rather have the media spread the rumor that the great Marcus Blackwood was abandoned at the altar? That a Sterling woman rejected him? Surely we wouldn’t want the stock prices to plummet from a rumor. We are forming an alliance, and we must do what we can to protect it.”

Marcus knew Harrison was not a man that cared for rumors. They both had teams that could eradicate any rumor like it never existed. So making an excuse with a rumor was more proof that there was something up his sleeves.

“I never pegged you a man scared of rumors,” Marcus said flatly.

“If it can be avoided, then it must. Besides, this is a contract marriage, Mr. Blackwood. Not a love union. What difference does it make which daughter you marry?” Harrison’s lips curled slightly. “A win is a win.”

Marcus didn’t respond. It was killing him that he did not see this move coming. He had spent years planning, and now the Sterlings had flipped the board on him.