Gold Digger by Susie Tate is a contemporary romance novel that explores the unlikely relationship between Oliver “Ollie” Harding, a billionaire duke, and Lottie Forest, his endearing yet clumsy cleaner. Set against the backdrop of British aristocracy, the story delves into themes of The Impact of Economic Disparity on Relationships, Neurodiversity and Acceptance, and The Redemptive Power of Love. Gold Digger is the second book in Tate’s Daydreamer series.

This guide refers to the 2024 Kindle e-book edition published by Sett Publishing.

Content Warning: The source material and guide feature depictions of death, sexual violence and harassment, physical abuse, child abuse, ableism, addiction, substance use, sexual content, and cursing.

Plot Summary

Protagonist Lottie Forest, who is in her late twenties, juggles two jobs—cleaning for billionaire Oliver “Ollie” Harding, the Duke of Buckingham, and waitressing—to support Hayley, her eight-year-old half-sister. Lottie is also taking psychology classes at a local university. Hayley, who has selective mutism due to childhood trauma and speaks only to Lottie, tags along to Ollie’s mansion one day, hiding as Lottie works. When Ollie’s mother, Margot, discovers Hayley, Lottie fears losing her job, but Margot keeps the secret.

Ollie is intrigued by Lottie, though his initial attempts to charm her come off as entitled. Lottie daydreams about him but suppresses her feelings, aware of the power imbalance between them; he’s wealthy royalty, and she’s struggling to make ends meet.

Their worlds collide again at Lottie’s waitressing job when drunk men sexually assault and harass her. One of the men is Blake, Ollie’s brother-in-law. Ollie steps in, furious at the lack of security, but doesn’t understand Lottie’s reality—she can’t afford to quit and deals with negative interactions often.

As Lottie continues to clean for Ollie, they bond over conversations and chess matches. She meets his family: Vicky, his blunt, funny half-sister who has autism; Claire, his polished sister, who is married to Blake; and Florrie, Claire’s chatty daughter. Unbeknownst to Ollie, Hayley is upstairs again during Lottie’s shift and secretly befriends Florrie.

Tension builds until Ollie holds Lottie’s hand and sweet-talks her, leading Lottie to impulsively kiss him. Their chemistry explodes, culminating in an intimate moment on his couch. Though mortified afterward, Lottie is reassured when Ollie confesses that he likes her and assures her that she won’t lose her cleaning job. He insists that they can start dating.

As they grow closer, Lottie reveals her painful past: Her father died when she was six, her mother spiraled due to alcohol addiction, and Lottie endured years in foster care. About a year ago, her mother died from liver failure. Years earlier, Hayley’s father died, and Lottie became Hayley’s guardian. However, she keeps Hayley a secret from Ollie, not ready to merge her personal life with their romance.

Suspicion arises when Ollie overhears Lottie call someone “lovebug” on the phone, unaware that it’s Hayley. He worries that she’s seeing someone else but doesn’t confront her. Meanwhile, he invites Lottie to a gala, though she doubts that she belongs in his elite world.

Margot visits Lottie’s apartment unannounced. Using her influence, she’s uncovered Lottie’s past—her financial struggles, Hayley’s selective mutism, and the looming custody threat from Hayley’s grandparents. Despite Lottie’s anger, Margot says that she must vet anyone associated with her royal family. Margot offers Lottie $50,000 to walk away from Ollie. Despite her feelings, Lottie accepts. The money will fund Hayley’s therapy and help prove Lottie’s financial stability in the custody battle.

Soon after, Vicky offers Lottie a job as her personal assistant, recognizing Lottie’s gift for reading people. Due to her autism, Vicky has difficulty with social interactions. Lottie takes the job since it’s a professional role with no direct connection to Ollie.

Ollie is blindsided by Lottie’s sudden resignation. When Margot explains the deal, he’s furious—not just at his mother but also at Lottie for choosing money over love. His anger blinds him to Lottie’s reasons, and their brief business interactions are cold and bitter.

Months pass. Lottie helps Vicky thrive in her financial-advising career, coaching her on social cues and client interactions. Hayley wants to visit Florrie, admitting that she spoke to her—a major breakthrough. However, Lottie can’t contact Ollie to set up a play date.

One day, Hayley goes missing, leaving a note saying that she’s gone to find Florrie. Panicked, Lottie races to Ollie’s estate, where Mrs. Higgins finds Hayley hiding in the library. Lottie breaks down, confessing Hayley’s existence and the real reasons why she took Margot’s money. When the police arrive, concerned about Hayley’s safety, Ollie steps in, claiming that Lottie is his fiancée to prevent child services from intervening.

Afterward, Ollie is both protective and hurt. He’s angry that Lottie didn’t trust him with the truth but softens as she breaks down, admitting that she’s terrified of failing Hayley. Ollie promises that he’ll never let her face anything alone again.

Ollie helps Lottie and Hayley move into his mansion, providing the safety and stability they’ve never known. He bonds with Hayley, inviting Florrie over for playdates, and Margot tries to make amends.

At a pool party, someone pushes Lottie into the water. Since she can’t swim, Ollie rescues her, but Hayley suspects that Claire’s husband, Blake, was responsible. When Hayley silently accuses him, Blake mocks her mutism, and Lottie feels powerless to confront him, given Ollie’s close family ties.

Later, Hayley is bullied at school. Ollie intervenes, furious that the school hasn’t provided the support and individual aide that Hayley needs. He arranges for her to attend a private school, promising Lottie and Hayley that they’re his family now. Lottie is wary of promises since many have been broken in her past.

Hayley thrives in her new school with Florrie, speaking more often. Lottie and Ollie’s love deepens, and he proposes for real this time. Lottie, overwhelmed but in love, says yes.

At a business gala, Lottie notices a bruise on Claire’s face and suspects that Blake is abusive. When Lottie and Vicky try to intervene, Claire dismisses their concerns. Blake confronts Lottie alone, gripping her arm hard enough to leave bruises. Lottie escapes, but the incident delays her from helping Vicky avoid the party’s overwhelming fireworks display. Ollie scolds Lottie for neglecting Vicky, and in the heated argument, Lottie accuses Blake of abuse. Ollie doesn’t believe her, and Lottie leaves heartbroken.

Later, Ollie overhears Blake drunkenly mocking Lottie and sees Claire’s hidden bruises. Realizing that Lottie was right, he confronts Blake and then rushes to find Lottie, who is already gone.

Lottie and Hayley move back into her old apartment. Ollie keeps his promise to support Hayley, driving her to school daily. He tries to win Lottie back, but she’s convinced that his love is conditional, tied to control and appearances. She gives him back the engagement ring.

At Hayley’s custody hearing, Lottie fears losing her sister. The grandparents argue that they can provide a more stable home. Just when all seems lost, Ollie and his entire family arrive. Ollie slides Lottie’s ring back on her finger, declaring that they’re engaged and that Hayley is part of their family. Margot, Vicky, Claire, and the others support Lottie, convincing the court that Hayley’s best interests are with her and that Hayley will want for nothing with their billionaire wealth. Child services rules in Lottie’s favor.

Months later, Lottie and Ollie get married. In his vows, Ollie promises not just to love Lottie forever but to be Hayley’s family, too—no conditions, just love. Because of Ollie, Lottie finally feels truly loved, accepted, and safe.