idn't wait for him to finish, pushing the door open herself and stepping out onto th

on. He had expected some spark of defiance, some hint

sensed a presence above. He looked up to see Ethan stan

Ethan was trying to intimidate him, to make him back

ement. He could see the tension in Ethan's shoulders

on. Then Victor broke the spell, his laughter low and husky. He

im, his expression neutral. "

icked up to meet

eplied, his eyes drift

would do whatever it took to protect him. And soon, Victor

the balcony, his eyes fixed on the darkness. He knew Victor was a

********

ir, accompanied by the clinking of glasses and the soft strains of music. But amidst all the joy and celebration, one person stood ou

brother, slipped inside. "Can I come in

s. "Since when do you need my permission to come to

ners. "Soon you'll be half a Blackwood, so I t

her eyes welling up with tears. "It's a ver

down beside her, taking her hand in his. "I'm s

rs. "That's why you're my favorite brother," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

If it were in their power to stop this marriage, they would have done it long ago. You don't reali

an's shoulder, sobbing uncontrollably. Julian held h

immed, her face pale. Julian handed her a handkerchi

neither give up nor are weak. You have to show Victor Blackwood the living hell, so he refuses t

ation. Julian kissed her forehead, and they

whispered. "We'll be right

ces. Ivy's eyes sparkled with a hint of desperation as she shook hands with the well-wishers, her gaze drifting to

d, calculated smile. Ivy's own smile faltered, her lips trembling

ou know what can happen. Don't think that I'm in the Smith mansion, so I can't kil

. She knew Victor was capable of anything, a

hard," Victor continued, his voice dripping w

ely above a whisper. "You are the worst pers

ing with amusement. "Oh, really? But you'

, calculated smile. "Let's

corners. Ivy's gaze drifted away, her eyes scanning

ttered under her breath, he

s spine. She knew she had to play the game and pretend to be th

e knew she couldn't take on Victor alone, but she was determined to find a way out of this nightmar

********