Young Jules Westbrook, countess of Somerset, falls head over heels for her older brother Daniel's best friend. Jules' crush on Ethan Ashleigh, five years her senior, causes extreme tension between the friends. A surprise ambush on Ethan's home by the Scottish rogue, Sir Kilger, leaves Ethan's father dead and brother missing. When Daniel and Ethan's plan to rescue Hunt Ashleigh unravels, Daniel ends up dead at the hands of his best friend. Upon Ethan's return to Westbrook House with Daniel's dead body, Jules' world disintegrates and her childhood love turns quickly to unabated hatred for Ethan...