
Patrick Ritter, my adoptive father, brought me home from the orphanage when I was just a child. He was ten years older than me, and he adored me. Patrick was always exceptional—smart, driven, and he took over the family business with his remarkable capabilities. But the very first thing he did after securing his place at the helm of this corporate empire was make sure I stopped loving him. He invited five hotties to his lavish villa and made love to them all night. Not long after, he married me off to Mateo Larsen, the heir to a prestigious business dynasty. On my wedding day, Patrick, for the first time in years, looked at me with the same gentleness I remembered from my childhood. He spoke softly, "Iri, with my current status, no one will dare mistreat you once you marry Mateo. "From now on, let go of those unrealistic dreams. Build a good life with your husband." He paused before adding, looking torn, "As for me, I'll always be your adoptive father. "I'll protect you and make sure no one harms you, but that's as far as our relationship can go."
Chapter 1
Patrick Ritter, my adoptive father, brought me home from the orphanage when I was just a child. He was ten years older than me, and he adored me.
Patrick was always exceptional—smart, driven, and he took over the family business with his remarkable capabilities.
But the very first thing he did after securing his place at the helm of this corporate empire was make sure I stopped loving him.
He invited five hotties to his lavish villa and made love to them all night.
Not long after, he married me off to Mateo Larsen, the heir to a prestigious business dynasty.
On my wedding day, Patrick, for the first time in years, looked at me with the same gentleness I remembered from my childhood.
He spoke softly, "Iri, with my current status, no one will dare mistreat you once you marry Mateo.
"From now on, let go of those unrealistic dreams. Build a good life with your husband."
He paused before adding, looking torn, "As for me, I'll always be your adoptive father.
"I'll protect
