wreckage. They worked with quiet efficiency, sweeping up the g

The only evidence of the disaster was the faint smell

struck up a softer tune, trying to res

age at the front of the room. He tapped the m

drama to the patriarch. This was what they had really com

hands clasped in front of him. He took a deep br

The tantrum, the public humiliation of Alta-it all pointed to a woman pushed to the edge.

enounce the old ways, take her hand, and lead her

hands folded neatly in front of her. Angelo stood

voice barely a whisper. "The photo

ow a certainty. By morning, the pictures of her expos

ily, legacy, and the future. He thanked the guests for th

oming with pride, "today is a day of celebrat

locked on Annalise. He gave her a small, encouraging nod. The

e let her gaze linger on h

. It was cold, sharp, and utterly devoid of love. It w

fidence in his eyes flickered, repl

he tension. "Today, I also hav

g against his ribs. This was it. The rejection. T

ed to be married!" Harrison anno

s chest, ready to step

gelo M

hysical blow. The air rushed ou

end. He was the man who built an empire from nothing, the phanto

h a quiet, predatory grace, climbing the steps

ht the stage lights, and without a word, he slipped it onto her ring finger. Then, he took her hand in his, his grip f

back, lifting their joined hands to face the cro

wide and unseeing. He looked like a man who had just watched his entire w

ance. She kept her eyes on the crowd,

elted away, replaced by something deep and possessive. It

alise allowed herself a small, real