The Devil Heir’s Bargain

A Golden Invitation

Davina's POV

I froze at the living room doorway, my work bag's strap cutting into my palm. Calista had pulled me aside while I was getting ready, claiming Mom needed to talk about something urgent.

"Davina, take a seat," Mom commanded from the threadbare sofa, positioning herself like royalty. Her crimson lipstick looked garish against her faded makeup, and her polished nails drummed against her wine glass.

"This can't wait? I've got work," I said, tension creeping into my voice. "I can't show up late again."

Mom's eyebrow arched. "Work? You mean waiting on those spoiled rich brats at Velvet Crown? Give me a break."

I held back my response. Fighting with her never led anywhere good. I needed that job desperately. Velvet Crown meant more than just money—it was my escape route, my chance to gather enough cash to flee Meridian and shed the shame of carrying the Hughes name.

Chase lounged in the corner, absorbed in his phone screen. His ability to ignore our family's drama was almost impressive. At least he kept clear of the constant fighting.

"What's going on, Mom?" I pressed, my patience wearing thin.

Mom's mouth twisted into a grin. "We've got exciting news."

I stared at her, doubtful. "Exciting news?"

"Absolutely!" Calista burst out, practically radiating enthusiasm. "I scored a golden invitation to the Meridian Unicorn Party!"

I stared harder, struggling to understand why this qualified as exciting news for me.

The Unicorn Party—that ridiculous, extravagant spectacle for the wealthy elite—might as well have been on another planet.

"And this benefits me... how exactly?" I asked, completely lost.

"Should be fun though," Chase mumbled, still focused on his screen.

"Fun?!" Calista's voice cracked with hysteria. "Do you realize what this opportunity means? The world's wealthiest eligible men will be there! This is our moment!"

"How exactly did you get invited?" I asked, my voice gaining an edge.

"Connections," Mom said with satisfaction, swirling her wine.

I didn't want to know what kind of "connections" she meant. The truth would probably make me sick.

"Fine, so Calista's attending some exclusive party. What's that got to do with me?" I checked my phone's clock. Time was running out.

Mom leaned closer, lowering her voice to a scheming whisper. "This is our opening, Davina. Calista just has to attract the right man's attention. A billionaire. Someone who can transform our entire situation."

I fought the impulse to roll my eyes. Another one of Mom's ridiculous plots, naturally. Juliette Hughes's existence revolved around hunting wealthy men, and she expected her daughters to be her hunting dogs.

"Good for Calista," I said coldly, standing up. "Best wishes with the party. I need to leave."

"Sit back down, Davina," Mom barked, her voice turning harsh.

"I can't be late—"

"Sit!"

I reluctantly sank back onto the couch, watching the wall clock. I was already pushing my luck with timing.

"Listen, you all know how much we've struggled and lost after that old bastard had me thrown in jail. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance that will change our lives forever."

"How does this involve me? Did the whole family get invited?"

"You wish..." Calista snorted. "Nobody's inviting you to that caliber of party with that face."

Chase chuckled, drawing our attention. "Calista, stop pretending Davina isn't the most beautiful one in this family," he said, eyes still glued to his phone.

"Gross, don't talk like that—you're my brother," I grinned, always ready to needle him. "Should I mention she's also the dumbest?"

"I do my best."

"Enough, both of you," Mom scolded. "I seriously need to get to work, Mom. Whatever this is clearly doesn't involve me."

"Always so proud of that job, like it's actually worth something."

Dotty, my middle sister, laughed mockingly.

"At least I'm actually doing something!" I shot back.

Before the fight could explode, Mom's phone rang. She glanced at the screen, a calculating smile creeping across her face. "Same time, same place, Curtis? I'll be there," she purred into the phone.

Nausea hit me like a punch. I didn't need details about the call. It was Mom's typical business—entertaining some wealthy man for money, presents, or favors.

After Mom ended the call, she focused on me again. "The point is, we all need to chip in to get your sister everything she needs for that party. Including you."

"This is insane, Mom! Leave me out of it," I said firmly.

Mom's eyes turned cold. "Don't be selfish, Davina. This is for the family."

"I don't have any money."

"Yes, you do," Dotty jumped in. "You've been hoarding money for college."

"Exactly—for college."

"This is bigger than college, and I've told you countless times—you're a Hughes, you have no business with college," Mom said, checking her phone again.

"And I've told you millions of times—I'm not like you! I refuse to be like you. I won't sit around waiting for some rich guy to rescue me."

"So you think you're superior to us now?"

"Oh my god! I'm done. Calista, I'm sure you can handle this yourself, and when you land your billionaire boyfriend or husband, remember not to share a penny of his money with me."

I grabbed my bag and headed for the door.

College in another country was my escape plan. Nobody was going to sabotage that for me.

Nothing mattered more than leaving this town and erasing the cursed name I carried.

"Oh, you're a Hughes, never mind."

"You're a Hughes, you have no voice."

"Girl, you're a Hughes."

"You're a Hughes. Shut up and spread your legs."

"Not a Hughes trying to act innocent."