Gold Digger

Oliver Harding is a billionaire Duke who owns approximately ten percent of the UK. Despite his wealth and status, he develops a crush on Lottie, his cleaner, who is clumsy at her job but has an infectious laugh, a bright smile, and strong chess skills. Aware of the power imbalance between them, he pursues her until she betrays his trust. He then claims to hate her, but eventually recognizes how his privilege and self-absorption have blinded him. He proposes a fake engagement to win her back. Lottie has struggled since entering foster care at age twelve. She has minimal savings and cares for her eight-year-old sister, who is selectively mute and traumatized. She views the Duke as someone who could never understand hardship and initially resists his advances, fearing he will harm what she has worked to build. However, she underestimates his charm and determination. This is a contemporary romance featuring a billionaire, enemies-to-lovers arc, fake engagement, and grumpy boss dynamics. The book contains trigger warnings for assault, mentions of domestic violence, and references to childhood neglect.