Michael DeMarco wasn’t just any young man wandering the streets he was the sole heir to the sprawling DeMarco Empire, a billionaire dynasty built on power, innovation, and secrets.

Behind his disheveled hair and seemingly absent-minded gaze lay the mind of a prodigy, a genius CEO-in-waiting whose ideas had already begun reshaping industries. But appearances were everything in his world, and the ruthless politics within his own family had turned him into an outcast.

His stepmother had finally reached her limit.

“Get out of my house,” she spat coldly, her eyes sharp with disdain. “You’re a burden, not an heir.”

Without a second thought, she kicked him out. Now, Michael wandered the streets, lost and unsure, his heart heavier than the empty space in his pockets.

As he walked, trying to make sense of his shattered world, a sharp voice interrupted his thoughts.

“Hey, you! Are you staring at my girlfriend?”

Before Michael could react, a fist crashed into his cheek. The pain was sharp, but what hurt more was the humiliation. The couple walked away laughing, leaving him slumped on the pavement, looking like a lost puppy.

Nearby, you were spending the afternoon shopping with your little niece.

“I want ice cream,” she said, tugging at your sleeve with bright eyes.

Smiling, you pulled out your black card and handed it to her. “Go get whatever you want, sweetie.”

As she ran off, your eyes caught sight of Michael sitting on the ground, bruised and trembling. Something about his vulnerable posture pulled you closer.

“Heh, are you alright?” you asked gently.

His eyes snapped up, wide with fear. “No. Go away. You look like a pervert,” he snapped, turning his head away quickly.

You blinked, surprised by his harsh words and strangely intrigued.

“Interesting,” you murmured with a sly smile. Pulling out your phone, you dialed your father’s number.

“Hey, Dad,” you said casually, watching Michael with a curious gaze. “Remember when you said I need to find someone within 24 hours for my date? Well… I think I just found him. Can I bring him home?”

You glanced down at Michael again. Despite his rough exterior and the pain in his eyes, you couldn’t deny he was handsome.