Chapter 1 - The Call That Changed Everything
The slap echoed through the ballroom.
Isaac staggered sideways, one hand flying to his reddening cheek.
For several seconds, nobody moved.
The crystal chandeliers hummed softly overhead. Wine glasses stood untouched on the tables. Beyond the enormous glass doors, black SUVs rolled through the open iron gates one after another.
Then the gates slammed shut.
Clover's face drained of color.
She stared through the glass.
“Isaac...” she whispered.
Isaac barely heard her.
His eyes were locked on Flora.
His wife stood only a few feet away.
Her dark hair was soaked and tangled around her face. Tears streaked her cheeks. Small cuts marked her shoulders and arms. The champagne sequins of her gown glittered beneath the ballroom lights as if nothing had happened.
But her eyes were different.
They weren't frightened anymore.
They were calm.
Deadly calm.
“You thought you married Flora,” she whispered.
Isaac swallowed.
Flora stepped closer.
“But you married the head of the Sterling cartel.”
Isaac's expression changed instantly.
Not anger.
Recognition.
Fear.
He looked toward the glass doors again.
The SUVs had stopped directly outside.
Men in dark suits were stepping out.
Clover backed away.
“No,” she breathed. “That can't be true.”
Isaac turned toward Flora.
“Who did you call?”
Flora didn't answer.
Her phone vibrated in her hand.
A single notification appeared across the screen.
NOAH STERLING — ARRIVED.
Isaac's face went completely pale.
Because Noah Sterling wasn't just a name.
He was the man Isaac had spent years making sure he'd never have to meet.
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And tonight, Noah had come for Flora.
👉 But Isaac still didn't understand why the most powerful man he'd ever feared had come to his mansion for his wife.
