THE BILLIONAIRE PROUD GIRL

Chapter 1: The Day I Lost Everything Anna stood at the top of the staircase, staring at the suitcase beside her. For the first time in her life, she was leaving her father's mansion with nothing but a few clothes and the necklace her mother had left behind. Her fingers tightened around it. She refused to cry. Not in front of them. Not today. "Are you really leaving?" The cold voice came from behind her. Anna turned. Her stepmother, Vivian, stood near the doorway, dressed in an expensive silk robe. A faint smile rested on her lips. Anna looked at her for several seconds. "You wanted me gone." Vivian shrugged. "I only suggested that you should learn to stand on your own feet." Anna let out a bitter laugh. "After living here for twenty-two years?" "You're an adult now." "And suddenly I'm a problem." Vivian's smile disappeared. "Don't make this more dramatic than it needs to be." Anna picked up her suitcase. "You're right. I won't." She walked past her. Then she heard footsteps. "Anna." She stopped. Her father stood at the end of the hallway. For one second, hope flickered in her chest. Maybe he would stop her. Maybe he would finally choose her. Instead, he said quietly, "Your stepmother is right. You need to become independent." Anna stared at him. "You agree with her?" He avoided her eyes. "Give yourself time. You'll understand." "No." Her voice shook. "I understand perfectly." She swallowed the lump in her throat. "My mother would never have done this to me." The moment she mentioned her mother, her father's expression changed. Just for a second. Fear. Anna noticed it. "What?" "Nothing." "You looked scared." "I'm tired, Anna. Please just go." Something about his response unsettled her. But she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her break. She lifted her chin. "Fine." She walked out. The massive front doors closed behind her. Anna stood outside the mansion, staring at the place she had called home her entire life. She had money once. A family once. A mother once. Now she had a suitcase, a nearly empty bank account, and her pride. She smiled bitterly. "Let's see how independent I can become." Three days later, Anna stood outside The Crown Table, one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. She looked at the elegant glass doors. She had never imagined herself working in a restaurant. But she needed a job. And she would get one. Inside, a manager looked through her application. "You have no restaurant experience." "I learn quickly." "You've never worked before?" "No." The manager raised an eyebrow. "Then why should I hire you?" Anna leaned forward. "Because I'm not afraid of hard work." The manager studied her. "And if a customer insults you?" "I'll remain professional." "And if your supervisor is wrong?" Anna paused. "I'll tell him." The manager almost smiled. "You're very confident." "I've been told that." "Fine. You start tomorrow." Anna blinked. "Really?" "Don't make me regret it." For the first time in days, a genuine smile appeared on her face. "Thank you." She walked out of the restaurant feeling lighter. She didn't know that someone had been watching the entire interview from the second floor. A man in a black suit stood behind the glass railing, his expression unreadable. Michael. The owner of The Crown Table. He had heard every word. His manager approached him. "She doesn't know anything about the restaurant." "Good." Michael's eyes remained on Anna. "Keep it that way." "Why?" He finally turned away from the window. "Because I want to know how she behaves when she thinks nobody important is watching." Downstairs, Anna stepped onto the street. She had no idea that the arrogant billionaire she would soon hate was already watching her. And she certainly didn't know that her new job would change her life forever