# Clara Vance's POV
My world collapsed in that single moment. Quentin's name echoed in my mind like a death knell as I stared at the phone lying on the marble floor. The device continued transmitting my mother's terrified sobs, each sound cutting through me like shattered glass.
"Clara." Aiden's voice seemed to come from underwater. "Clara, look at me."
I couldn't move. Couldn't breathe. Quentin had hurt Grandmother. Sweet, fierce Grandmother who'd raised me when my parents were too busy building their empire. The woman who'd taught me to be strong, to never bow to anyone's demands.
"He hurt her," I whispered, the words scraping my throat raw. "He actually hurt her."
Chloe knelt beside me, her hands gentle on my shoulders. "What did your mother say? Who's this Quentin?"
"My arranged fiancé." The words tasted like poison. "Quentin Qin of the Qin family. I broke the engagement publicly at the charity gala last month. He swore he'd make me pay."
