drop of lethal poison. Going to Liam's engagement party wa

hone buzzed on the coffee table. It was a digital invitation,

ly cannot let my innocent baby be fatherless, and Liam completely agrees. We are getting en

alicious intent behind the delayed message. The engagement gala was start

repare a proper haute couture gown and jewelry, ensuring she would make a pathetic fool of herself in front of high society. But if Seraphina refused to go out of embarrassme

let out a cold, mocking laugh and typed

desperation and vulnerability were completely gone, r

rossed his handsome face. "It i

owed by a small army of people. A makeup artist, a hairstylist, and s

t was instantly transfor

ver of Vogue, clapped his hands together in pure delight. "Ah, Mr. Sterling's ne

rod, and paint her. She detached her mind from her tired body, turnin

, strapless and dangerously elegant. The skirt was meticulously embroidered with thousan

ve her a makeup look that was dramatic yet incredibly refined, perfectl

om, the chaotic chatter in the living ro

reviewing something on his tablet. He looked up

mply stared. The mask of cold i

st traces of the desperate, rain-soaked girl he had found on the street,

oluntary reaction to his overwhelming desire. Then

ingle wave of his hand. From a black velvet b

ly cool against her warm skin as he fastened the intricate clasp at the nape of her neck. The intimate touc

chest. Her breath caugh

ear-shaped ruby the exact color of pigeon's blood. It rested perfectly against

it centuries ago for his one true love, symbolizing an eternal, unbreakable bond. The Dior

iage was nothing but a cold business transaction. He probably had no idea about the romantic history behind the

by, but his large hand closed

final. "Tonight, you will be the most beautiful wom

or was he using these priceless things to brand her as

woman in a priceless gown and a legendary necklace.

single, cream-colored envelope on a silver tray. "Sir, the ph

ina. The card was thick, the let

ou would join us to celebrate our eng

ely sent a physical invitation to ensure she

A dark, possessive fire burned in his gray eyes, a silen

a ruthless smirk. "Let's go. It is time to