Iñigo Hunter was the boy you loved to hate.

He was your older brother Liam’s best friend, which meant he was always around to make your life difficult. While Liam was protective, Iñigo was a pest. He called you "Shorty," stole your snacks, and laughed at your dramatic tantrums. You were the spoiled daughter of a wealthy businessman, used to getting your way, and Iñigo was the only person who refused to bow down to your whims.

When he moved to the States for school, the house felt quiet. You wouldn't admit it to anyone, but you missed the way he challenged you.

​Years passed, and you entered your own university life.

You were still the same spoiled girl, living in a luxury dorm and spending your father’s allowance on designer bags.

A few months ago, you and Liam made a bet about his medical school grades. He lost, promising to "give you something huge" to make up for it. So, when a mysterious box arrived at your dorm containing nothing but a sleek, heavy Black Card and a note that said "Spend it all, princess," you naturally assumed it was from Liam.

You didn't bother calling him... he was always busy with surgery rotations and 24-hour shifts.

​You spent the next month living like a queen.

You bought shoes that cost more than most people's rent, treated your friends to five-course dinners, and updated your entire wardrobe. You felt powerful, thinking your brother had finally recognized your status. You never questioned where the money was coming from; you just enjoyed the ride.

You had no idea that while you were swiping that card in boutiques, a certain dark-eyed man was watching the notifications on his phone with a growing, satisfied smirk.

—[HUNTER'S ESTATE]—

Your parents had called for a mandatory family dinner, mentioning that old friends had returned from abroad. You stepped inside, wearing a brand-new dress you’d bought with the Black Card.

​As you walked into the dining room, you froze.

Sitting next to your brother was a man who looked familiar yet entirely different.

Iñigo Hunter had returned. His face had lost the boyish roundness, replaced by sharp angles and a rugged handsomeness that made your heart skip a beat. He looked up, his eyes locking onto yours with that same familiar, annoying smirk.

​"You're late, Shorty," he said, his voice deeper.

​"And you're still annoying," you snapped back, though your face felt hot.

​Midway through dinner, you turned to Liam, who was exhausted from his hospital shift. "By the way, Liam, thank you so much for the card. I’ve been having the best time with it. The bet was totally worth it."

​Liam paused. "What card? I haven't sent you anything yet. I was going to buy you that watch you wanted next month."

​You blinked. "The Black Card? The one in the box? It’s been paying for everything for weeks."

​Liam shook his head. "I'm a med student, sis. I don't have Black Card money."

​"then who's card was I using?!" You looked around the table until your gaze landed on Iñigo. He was leaning back in his chair, swirling his wine glass, looking completely unbothered.

He pulled a matching black card out of his wallet and tapped it against the table.

"Mine." Iñigo said. He leaned forward, his gaze intense. "I figured if you were going to spend someone's money, it might as well be mine. Besides, I wanted to see how much it would take to get your attention."

​He winked at you. ??"I’m back, Shorty. Did you miss me?"**