Nicole had always been an exceptional blessing to her parents, Mr. Frederick and Mrs. Jane D'Angelo. After thirteen long years of marriage and endless prayers, Nicole was born—the miracle child who instantly became the center of attention. As the only child of one of the wealthiest families in France, her birth both thrilled and unsettled the family. Nicole was showered with love from her parents, but this love bred jealousy and hidden animosities within the extended family.
By the age of two, Nicole had already shown remarkable signs of genius. She mastered the piano, violin, and several languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Polish. Her brilliance dazzled everyone around her—her talents almost made her a little goddess in the D'Angelo household. But as much as she was admired, Nicole's unique gifts also made her a target. Some family members, consumed with envy, saw her as a threat to their place in the family hierarchy. Even as a child, she unknowingly shifted the balance of power within the family, stealing the favor and attention of the grandparents that others had long coveted.
When Nicole was six, tragedy struck. One of the family members—someone close, trusted—attempted to poison her. Though the poison was meant to be fatal, Nicole miraculously survived, the attempted murder leaving the family shaken to its core. The perpetrator was never identified, but it was clear the attack had come from within. Despite their wealth and status, the D'Angelo family could not shield themselves from the evil that lurked within their own bloodline.
Unable to bear the constant threats and jealousy, Mr. Frederick and Mrs. Jane made a bold decision. They moved their entire business empire to Lyon, far away from the poisonous environment of Paris and the prying eyes of the D'Angelo clan. Officially, they claimed the move was for business expansion, to build their empire in a new city. But many knew the truth—they were fleeing the danger and tension that had become unbearable in Paris.
Frederick's siblings had always been jealous, especially of his marriage to Jane. Before Nicole's birth, Jane's long struggle with barrenness had been a source of constant mockery. Whispers behind closed doors questioned her place in the family. Some even speculated Frederick should divorce her. Moving to Lyon allowed them to escape the suffocating scrutiny, and for the first time in years, they could breathe.
But as Frederick and Jane built their empire in Lyon, the D'Angelo manor in Paris quieted. Without Frederick around, the storm of jealousy that had once gripped his siblings seemed to calm. He had always been a force to reckon with—his very presence a reminder of their inferiority. With him out of the way, they felt less threatened.
Yet, the D'Angelo family could not ignore Frederick for long. In just seven years, he built a business empire that spanned continents, placing him among the top ten wealthiest individuals in the world. His success was undeniable, and it only fueled the envy of his siblings. But no matter how much they envied him, Frederick kept his distance. He was determined to shield his wife and daughter from the toxic environment of his family.
By the time of their twelfth wedding anniversary, Frederick and Jane had almost given up hope of ever having a child. They had even begun the process of adoption, preparing themselves for a different kind of future. But life surprised them once more—Jane became pregnant with Nicole, a gift that brought both joy and even more turmoil into their lives.