Part 1My Sugar Daddy Went Bankrupt

When my benefactor went bankrupt and wanted to die, I played dumb.

"Baby, your birthday's next month," I purred, tracing circles on his chest. "I saw this watch that would be just perfect for you. It's a steal, really, only five million dollars. Too bad I'm a little short."

Tears welled in his eyes, his voice thick with emotion. "You… you remembered?"

He then proceeded to haul bricks, deliver food, and sell off his properties until he scraped together the five million.

I took the money, and without a second glance, spent it all. Then I pouted.

"But the new collection of handbags is just gorgeous. I want one so badly…"

Any thought of dying evaporated from his mind. Now, the moment his eyes opened each morning, his only thought was making more money.

* * *

It was the third year of being Tedd Vance’s pretty little canary when the whispers started: he was broke.

Tedd was still away on a business trip when the staff began to vanish, one by one. The house grew quieter, emptier.

Anna, the head housekeeper who’d always had a soft spot for me, pulled me aside, her face etched with concern. "Miss Cecilia, you should pack up whatever you can grab and get out of here while there's still something left to take."

Did she think I didn't want to run?

The problem was, after three years as Tedd's canary, I’d been completely ruined for a normal life. I was spoiled rotten. He was the perfect benefactor—stupidly rich, ridiculously easygoing, and utterly devoted. I hadn't suffered a single day; I'd only known luxury.

Where else would I find a fool who'd shower me with money and cater to my every whim?

Besides, maybe the rumors were just that—rumors. I was willing to bet on one last chance.