The Heiress Who Tried to Buy My Husband

I was the designer behind the show.

Vanessa Reed pointed at my secretly married husband and ordered her assistant around like she was picking something off a menu:

That male model, Im booking him tonight, so tell him to clean himself up and come upstairs with me to shoot a private short film.

Backstage went deathly silent.

I almost laughed from anger.

My cold, elegant husband was wearing a temporary pass today, and somehow, he had really been mistaken for a male model with a price tag.

The staff members face turned pale.

Miss Reed, that man isnt one of our signed models

If hes not a model, why is he standing backstage?

Vanessa Reed sneered.

Hes wearing a pass and wearing the clothes, so what, is he supposed to be the heir of the Blackwood family?

A layer of frost covered Sebastian Blackwoods eyes, and just as he was about to speak, I stepped in front of him first.

Miss Reed, he isnt your merchandise, hes my husband.

Trying to steal my man right in front of me, like I was dead?!

Ava Sterling POV

I had been secretly married to the billionaire CEO of Blackwood Group for three years.

Backstage at my charity fashion show, Vanessa Reed, the most arrogant socialite in San Francisco, was pointing at my cold, elegant secret husband and ordering her assistant around like she was picking goods at a market.

That male model, Im booking him tonight, so tell him to clean himself up and come upstairs with me to shoot a private short film.

Backstage went deathly silent.

I almost laughed from anger.

Sebastian Blackwood was wearing the same black suit as the finale piece today, and to cooperate with me, he had specially put on an ordinary temporary pass.

Who would have thought that with those broad shoulders, long legs, and cold, sharp features, he would be mistaken for a male model with a clear price tag?

The staff member was so frightened that her face turned pale.

Miss Reed, that man isnt one of our signed models

If hes not a model, why is he standing backstage?

Vanessa Reed sneered and openly looked Sebastian up and down.

Hes wearing a pass and wearing the clothes, so what, is he supposed to be the young heir of the Blackwood family?

A layer of frost suddenly covered Sebastians eyes, and just as he was about to speak, I stepped in front of him first.

Miss Reed, he is not your merchandise.

Vanessas gaze landed on my bare neck, and her eyes filled with contempt.

And who are you?

A designers assistant?

Or some nobody trying to sneak onto the red carpet?

Im his wife, I said calmly.

Pfft.

Vanessa laughed so hard her shoulders shook.

So now women are pretending to be married just to steal male models?

Then have him call you his wife and see if he agrees.

I was running a show, so why should I prove my marital status to her?

Seeing that I stayed silent, Vanessa probably thought I was guilty, so she raised her hand arrogantly and reached straight for the pass on Sebastians chest.

The next second, her wrist was locked in a grip like an iron clamp.

Show some respect.

Sebastian looked down at Vanessa from above, and his voice was very low, but it carried a chilling pressure.

Vanessa frowned in pain and cursed in rage and embarrassment.

You make a living off your face, and you dare act like a diva with me?

Im interested in you, and thats me giving you face!

The bodyguards behind Vanessa immediately closed in around us.

The event manager came to my side, sweating heavily, and begged in my ear.

Ms. Sterling, the Reed family is tonights biggest buyer, so maybe you could endure this a little and let this gentleman go to the VIP room to avoid the spotlight?

She is openly trying to take my husband, and you want me to hide?

I swept a cold glance at him, and the manager instantly fell silent.

Vanessa completely lost patience and pulled a document from her assistants hand before throwing it hard into my arms.

Sign it, and Ill consider you smart about tonights matter!

A small designer like you shouldnt ruin your own project over one male model!

On the scattered pages, the words Private Image Companion Authorization Form were written in bold.

I pinched those pages between my fingers, tore them in half in front of Vanessa, and threw them into the trash.

The smile on Vanessas face vanished instantly.

Sebastian tilted his head and asked softly beside my ear.

Do you want to reveal our identities?

No.

A cold light flashed through my eyes.

Vanessa dared to be this arrogant because she was used to treating people like toys with her power.

If I backed down today, then tomorrow, everyone would know that my bottom line could be bought with money.

I held Sebastians hand in return and said each word clearly.

The show goes on.

And as for my man, dont even think about taking a single hair from his head.

Ava Sterling POV

Vanessa laughed from sheer anger.

Fine, Id love to see how you run this show!

She turned and sharply ordered her assistant.

Pause the finale segment!

Notify the front hall that Im not feeling well, and the Reed familys donation is on hold!

The moment those words came out, the event managers legs nearly gave out.

The Reed familys donation made up nearly thirty percent of tonights total, and if they withdrew it at the last minute, every major headline tomorrow would say Ava Sterlings Project Loses Control and Blackwood Foundation Loses Face!

Ms. Sterling, Im begging you, please just soften up first, because Miss Reed wont really do anything to him

The manager pleaded with me.

What are you using to guarantee that?

Sebastian glanced at the manager coldly, and that one look froze the rest of the managers words in his throat.

Seeing this, Vanessa grew even more pleased.

Oh, hes pretty good at protecting his owner, isnt he?

How much is she paying to keep you, because Ill pay double!

I did not even spare her another glance and picked up the walkie-talkie directly, my voice cool and firm.

All departments, pay attention, lighting stays as planned, and activate the backup plan for the finale.

Put the donor list on screen in the original order, and leave the Reed familys spot blank!

Everyone backstage sucked in a breath.

Vanessa screamed in rage.

You dare remove the Reed familys name?!

You were the one who said your donation was on hold.

I looked at her coldly.

Charity is not a bargaining chip you use to threaten others.

Vanessa raised her hand and slapped toward my face!

Before she even touched the corner of my clothes, her wrist was once again clamped tightly by Sebastian.

The movement was clean and decisive.

Lay another hand on her, and we call the police for assault.

You dare threaten me?!

Vanessa shook off his hand and arrogantly brought out her trump card.

Do you know who I am?

My boyfriend is part of the Blackwood family!

Tonights venue and media access were all arranged through him for me!

If I want someone to go upstairs, he definitely wont stop me!

Someone from the Blackwood family?

Sebastian and I looked at each other.

The only heir of the Blackwood family was standing right here being treated like a male model, so where did this Blackwood boyfriend crawl out from?

If hes part of the Blackwood family, then call him over.

I crossed my arms.

Let him tell me in person whether my husband should go upstairs with you tonight.

Ill call him then!

Without hesitation, Vanessa dialed a number saved as Mr. Blackwood and deliberately put it on speaker.

Vanessa, whats wrong?

A gentle male voice came through.

Vanessa immediately changed into an aggrieved tone.

I saw a male model I liked backstage, but some woman keeps insisting hes her husband and even dared to threaten me!

Hurry and help me teach her a lesson!

The other end paused, and his tone became troubled.

There are too many people backstage, so if you want someone, just have the organizers coordinate it, and dont bring my name into this.

The chill in Sebastians eyes deepened.

A true Blackwood would never need to hide behind a woman and cower.

I spoke directly toward the phone.

This Mr. Blackwood, may I ask which division you are responsible for at Blackwood Group?

The person on the other end instantly froze.

Who are you?

The person in charge being threatened by your girlfriend with a withdrawn donation, and also the wife of the gentleman she is trying to buy.

The other party fell silent for two seconds and then began stammering.

This is a misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding.

Ms. Sterling, Vanessa has been spoiled, so please give me some face.

What is your name?

I pressed him step by step.

The call was directly hung up.

Vanessas face turned ashen, but she was still forcing herself to hold on.

He hes just too busy and doesnt want to deal with a small fry like you!

Sebastian took out his phone and sent his assistant a message.

I ignored the furious Vanessa and gave an order to the whole room.

Start the show!

Music blasted from the front hall.

Vanessa glared at me viciously.

Arent you afraid Ill make you lose everything?!

I pointed at the camera overhead with the red light on.

I forgot to tell you that from the moment you said you wanted to buy my husband, the control room has been recording the whole thing.

Ava Sterling POV

After hearing my words, Vanessas face turned deathly pale, and she hurriedly rushed toward the corner, trying to unplug the camera cable.

After the lighting assistant stopped her, she screamed hysterically at the bodyguards.

Smash that damn machine for me!

Just as the bodyguards were about to move, Sebastian took half a step forward.

It was only a simple half step, but the invisible pressure of someone born to command made the two burly bodyguards freeze in place.

Useless!

Did I pay you to stand here and watch a show?!

Vanessa was furious.

I ordered the director.

Save all original footage and send backups to legal.

Legal?

Vanessa screamed.

Dont you dare use the law to scare me!

What you just did clearly counts as coercion, humiliation, and business interference.

Revoking a donation is your freedom, but using that revocation to trade for my husbands personal freedom is not a simple dispute.

I replied calmly.

Vanessa was left speechless by my rebuttal, and she suddenly turned her attack toward Sebastian.

Youre a grown man, and all you know how to do is hide behind a woman and let her stand up for you?!

Sebastians expression was indifferent, but his tone sounded perfectly natural.

I listen to my wife.

Those words appeared to be extremely lethal.

Vanessa shook with anger.

You really treat her like a treasure?

What can one tiny studio give you?

With me, you can choose any luxury car, mansion, or top-tier resources you want!

Sebastian turned his head to look at me, and there was even a hint of indulgent amusement in his eyes.

Can I laugh now?

I forced down the curve of my lips.

Hold it in a little longer.

Our relaxed interaction completely pierced Vanessa.

She suddenly grabbed a brooch from the display table and smashed it hard onto the floor!

That was a charity exhibit my team had made together with sick orphans, and it was supposed to be auctioned tonight to raise surgery funds for the children.

Crack.

A line split through the blue gem embedded in the brooch.

The children backstage were so frightened that their eyes turned red.

The smile on my face disappeared instantly, and my gaze turned cold and sharp as frost.

Vanessa Reed, apologize.

Vanessa glanced at the brooch on the floor, then casually pulled a checkbook from her bag, wrote a string of numbers, and tossed it at my feet.

Whatever it costs, I can pay for it, so stop acting noble here!

Sebastian bent down and picked up the check.

Just as Vanessa thought he had finally been blinded by money, Sebastian tore the check into pieces in front of everyone.

Rip.

Compensation will go through legal procedures.

Sebastians voice was bone-chillingly cold.

But right now, apologize for insulting the childrens hard work.

Who do you think you are to lecture me?!

Just then, thunderous applause erupted from the front hall.

The first group of charity pieces had successfully debuted, and the short film designed by the children moved the entire audience.

Vanessa looked at the broadcast screen and finally panicked.

I was not threatened by her at all, and not only had the show not been ruined, the response was surprisingly good!

Vanessa knew that if news spread that she had smashed an orphans exhibit backstage, the Reed familys donation withdrawal would become a complete joke!

Vanessa lowered her voice.

Ava Sterling, delete the video, and I wont hold tonights matter against you.

I sneered.

What happened will not disappear just because you refuse to admit it.

You just wait!

Vanessa turned and rushed toward the front hall, clearly intending to find someone in the audience.

I was about to follow when Sebastians warm palm wrapped around my hand.

Ill go with you.

I held his hand back, my gaze firm.

This time, dont stand too far away.

Sebastian lowered his eyes and smiled faintly.

I wont leave you by even one step.

Tonight, I was going to make Vanessa spit out every bit of arrogance she had swallowed down in front of everyone!

Ava Sterling POV

The front hall was bright with dazzling lights and filled with celebrities and socialites.

I saw Vanessa sit back in the first row, changing her face faster than turning a page.

One second ago, she had been throwing a tantrum backstage, and the next second, in front of the cameras, she had become a dignified and elegant charity socialite, even taking the lead in applauding.

Beside the side curtain, I looked at the information my assistant sent over and let out a cold laugh.

The all-powerful Mr. Blackwood Vanessa talked about was actually named Ethan Vale.

He had originally only been a business director at an outsourced company for the Blackwood Foundation, and he had been fired half a year ago for taking kickbacks.

Recently, however, he had been using the name of Blackwood and a few old group photos to bluff and scam his way through the socialite circle.

After all that, Vanessa had been tricked into a fantasy by a fake big shot, and that was why she dared to run wild in front of the real one.

Ethan Vale is here, Sebastian said in a low voice.

Following his gaze, I saw a man in a gray suit and expensive watch hurry in through the side door.

The moment Vanessa saw him, she immediately went up to him with an aggrieved expression.

Ethan!

Ethans gaze passed over Vanessa and landed on Sebastian not far away.

With just that one look, all the color drained from his face.

Vanessa did not notice at all and pointed at us with one hand while grabbing Ethans sleeve with the other.

Its them!

That woman keeps insisting the male model is her husband, and she even dared to threaten me!

Hurry and get rid of them for me!

Ethans entire body stiffened, and he forced out a smile uglier than crying.

Vanessa there are a lot of media here tonight, so let it go.

Thats not what you said earlier!

Vanessa refused to back down.

Ethan looked like he wanted to cover her mouth and lowered his voice.

This involves Blackwood Groups image

You represent Blackwood Group?

Sebastian walked over slowly, and his indifferent tone made peoples blood run cold.

Ethans legs trembled, and his Adams apple bobbed wildly.

You

Why are you wasting words with him?

Vanessa was still shouting.

Hes just a male model hired by someone, but he sure acts like the real thing!

Cold sweat poured from Ethans forehead, and he grabbed her.

Shut up!

Stop talking!

I walked up to them with a faint smile.

Mr. Vale, since youre here, why not explain this clearly?

Did you claim to Miss Reed that you were part of the Blackwood family?

Ethans face looked like ash.

Ms. Sterling, this is all a misunderstanding

Is the misunderstanding that you used Blackwood Groups name to bring someone backstage, or that you made her think the Blackwood family would clean up after her arrogance?

The guests around us had already sensed something was wrong, and whispers rose everywhere.

Vanessa finally realized things had gone off track.

Ethan, what does she mean?

Didnt you say the Blackwood family valued you the most?

Ethan opened his mouth, but he could not squeeze out even half a word.

Sebastian handed his phone to the assistant behind him and gave a cold order.

Notify legal and pull out every document Ethan Vale signed under Blackwood Groups name.

Anything connected to tonights event should also be sealed and pursued.

With a thud, Ethan could no longer hold himself up and dropped to his knees in front of the entire room of elites, his voice trembling.

Mr. Blackwood!

I was wrong!

Mr. Blackwood?!

The entire room burst into an uproar.

Vanessa looked at Sebastian in disbelief as if she had been struck by lightning.

Sebastian did not even give Ethan a glance and only said coldly,

You have three minutes to explain in public everything you did under Blackwood Groups name.

Vanessa was completely dumbfounded.

Her first reaction was not to apologize, but to point at Ethan and scream in rage.

You liar!

Arent you the young master of the Blackwood family?!

Then who is he?!

I walked to Sebastians side and looked at the bloodless Vanessa before speaking calmly, my clear voice spreading through the silent front hall.

He is the male model you insisted on taking away tonight.

And he is also the CEO of Blackwood Group, Sebastian Blackwood.

Ava Sterling POV

Even after her trump card was exposed, Vanessas first reaction was still to throw money at the problem.

She forced out a smile.

Mr. Blackwood, I made a mistake earlier.

Ill immediately make up the Reed familys donation and compensate for that brooch, so lets just forget this, all right?

Sebastian did not even look at her and turned his gaze to me instead.

Vanessa nearly ground her teeth to pieces and could only turn to look at me.

Miss Sterling, Ill pay.

What about the apology?

I lifted my eyes coldly.

Countless cameras around us were pointed this way, and Ethan anxiously persuaded her in a low voice.

Vanessa, apologize first, otherwise Mr. Blackwood

Slap!

Vanessa turned around and slapped him across the face.

Shut up!

You liar, and you still have the nerve to talk?

After hitting him, she could only take a deep breath and stiffly lower her head.

I shouldnt have interfered with the project, and I shouldnt have spoken rudely to you two.

And her.

I pointed to the little girl beside us whose eyes were red.

Vanessas face turned livid, and she bent toward the child perfunctorily.

Im sorry.

The little girl held the box with the broken brooch and said in a clear voice,

If you dont like it, you dont have to buy it, but you cant smash it.

Low mocking sounds rose around us.

Vanessas face turned dark red, and she retreated to her seat in humiliation.

Just as the disturbance settled, my assistant suddenly rushed over with a tablet.

Ms. Sterling, someone bought a trending topic!

Theyre saying we forced the Reed heiress to kneel!

On the screen, gossip accounts had maliciously edited the footage of Vanessa bowing, and the full context had been erased.

Sebastian swept one glance over it.

Ethan Vale did it.

He wants to muddy the waters so he can escape.

Sure enough, Vanessa not far away perked up again and walked over while waving her phone.

Miss Sterling, look, it seems the internet sympathizes more with me, the victim.

I ignored her and directly turned to my assistant with an order.

Cut the full backstage surveillance into three time points and post them from the official account!

Start a public livestream of the brooch repair process!

Dont add any PR wording, and only show the facts!

Vanessa sneered.

You think a few lousy videos can overpower my familys PR?

I looked at her.

I dont need to overpower anyone.

I only need everyone to see how ugly you looked when you tried to use a withdrawn donation to buy a male model.

As soon as the complete surveillance footage was posted, public opinion reversed instantly.

Vanessa, who had still been controlling the comments ten seconds earlier, was drowned in curses the next second:

Private image companion?!

This woman tried to force-buy the CEO of Blackwood Group to shoot a film?!

The official account released three hard-hitting videos in a row.

She pointed at Sebastian and said I want him, threatened the organizers by withdrawing the donation, and smashed the orphans brooch.

Not a single accusatory sentence was added, but Vanessas fake victim mask was torn to pieces.

Backstage fell into complete chaos.

Calls from the Reed family came in wildly to apply pressure, while Vanessa screamed hysterically at Ethan.

How was I supposed to know he was Sebastian Blackwood?!

You lied to me!

Stop pretending to be innocent!

Ethan simply tore off the mask.

When you used the title of future Mrs. Blackwood to steal resources, did I ever stop you?!

When you wanted to forcefully take a male model, did you ever ask me if it was real or fake?!

You dare talk back?!

Dont forget, I kept records of every time you asked me to use Blackwood Groups name to open doors for you!

The two of them turned on each other in public like dogs fighting dogs.

I looked at Sebastian.

Is there enough evidence?

Enough for Blackwood Group to sue him for extortion, and enough for the Reed family to answer to its board.

Sebastians tone was like ice.

As for tonights cooperation with the Reed family, Blackwood Group will reassess it.

Take your people and get out.

Vanessa finally panicked.

Mr. Blackwood, you cant deny the entire Reed family because of me alone!

Then werent you just about to cut off lifesaving money for dozens of sick children because of your temper alone?

I asked coldly.

Vanessa had nothing to say and fled in panic.

The farce ended, but the auction reached its climax.

The gap left by the Reed familys withdrawn donation was quickly filled by several entrepreneurs who learned the truth.

The urgently repaired Cracked Brooch sold for the highest price of the entire night.

On stage, the little girl bowed with red eyes.

Thank you, everyone.

Below the stage, my eyes warmed slightly.

The final auction item was the Kite Brooch I had designed myself.

As soon as the host announced the starting price, Sebastian slipped a bidding paddle into my hand and locked his fingers tightly with mine.

Fifty million!

I raised the paddle.

Sebastian took the microphone, and his voice spread throughout the room.

Blackwood Foundation will purchase this brooch and add a long-term childrens medical assistance program.

Thunderous applause filled the hall.

I looked at the children on stage with bright, sparkling eyes and smiled in relief.

Some people wanted to use power to crush kindness underfoot, but I insisted on standing at the highest place and letting the whole world see that kindness.

Ava Sterling POV

By the time the charity night ended, it was almost midnight.

The guests left one after another, but the media still crowded around the entrance and refused to disperse.

I saw that Vanessa did not dare leave through the main entrance and could only hide in the lounge while asking her assistant to arrange a car at the back door.

Sebastian told me that Ethan had been kept by Blackwood Groups legal team in another conference room, and both his phone and computer had been required to be sealed.

At first, he still wanted to defend himself, but after hearing the lawyers read out one email and appointment record after another that he had signed under Blackwood Groups name, he completely collapsed.

I did not go to see Ethans miserable state.

I was busy comforting my team, confirming the childrens cars, handling the repaired works, and dealing with the follow-up donation agreements.

When everything finally came to an end, Sebastian was leaning at the end of the hallway waiting for me.

He had taken off his jacket, and his shirt sleeves were rolled up.

The handsomeness that had made him get mistaken for a male model was still there, but now there was also a hint of exhaustion.

I walked over and asked softly,

Do you feel wronged?

Sebastian raised an eyebrow.

You protected me all night, so what is there to feel wronged about?

Vanessas words were pretty ugly.

Ive heard worse.

Sebastian held my hand.

But tonight, someone got angry for me.

My heart softened.

We had been married for three years, and most of the time, Sebastian was the one protecting me.

The outside world said I married into wealth and relied on the Blackwood family for resources, but only Sebastian knew how many shortcuts I had refused and how many nights I had stayed up to make charitable design work.

Tonight, when he was humiliated, I strongly realized for the first time that I also wanted to shield him behind me.

Lets go public in the future, I said.

That way, no one will treat you like someone they can casually order around again.

Sebastian smiled.

We can go public, but Mrs. Blackwood has to think carefully.

After we go public, the media will be even more annoying than tonight.

I thought for a moment.

Then well only go public when necessary.

For example, when someone tries to buy my husband again.

Sebastian laughed softly.

Just as his laughter fell, an argument came from the other end of the hallway.

Vanessas voice was sharp.

What right do you have to stop me from leaving?

I didnt break the law!

The Blackwood lawyers tone was calm.

Miss Reed, you may leave.

But regarding the damaged exhibit, business interference, and defamation, we need to confirm your contact information and attorney information.

Vanessa trembled with anger.

Tell Sebastian Blackwood to come talk to me!

Sebastian and I walked over.

When Vanessa saw us, her eyes lit up as if she had grabbed her last chance.

Mr. Blackwood, I was wrong tonight, but if this keeps blowing up, it wont be good for anyone.

Your wife does charity work, and she also needs support in the circle.

The Reed family can give money and help her build resources.

I understood.

This was a threat in new packaging.

If I accepted, it would be the same as admitting that my charity project needed the Reed familys handouts.

If I refused, Vanessa would spread rumors in the circle that I did not know what was good for me.

Sebastian did not speak.

I looked at Vanessa.

My project needs people who respect the rules, not people who throw money around whenever they want.

Vanessa gritted her teeth.

Are you determined to burn every bridge?

You narrowed the road yourself.

Vanessa suddenly laughed.

Ava Sterling, do you really think marrying Sebastian Blackwood makes you safe?

The one thing wealthy wives never lack is replacements.

You embarrassed me today, and tomorrow, someone will use the same method to embarrass you.

Sebastians eyes turned completely cold.

But I spoke first.

Then well wait for tomorrow.

Vanessa froze.

Tonight, you settle what you should settle first, I said.

The lawyer handed over the documents, and Vanessa refused to sign them.

In the end, a family representative named Michael arrived from the Reed family and accepted them on her behalf with a dark expression.

Michael was much more clear-headed than she was, and the moment he saw Sebastian, he apologized first.

Mr. Blackwood, Miss Sterling, Vanessa was spoiled tonight.

The Reed family will handle this.

Vanessa refused to accept it.

Michael!

Michael cut her off coldly.

Shut up.

Havent you embarrassed the Reed family enough?

This was the first time I saw real panic on Vanessas face.

It was not anger from being scolded, but the realization that the Reed family would no longer cover for her the way they used to.