Zara stood tall beside Leonardo as they swept into the grand ballroom — all polished marble, chandeliers, and cold, glittering eyes.
Every head turned.
Every whisper sliced through the air like knives.
"That's her?"
"The wife?"
"She's… ordinary."
"Poor girl won't last a month."
Zara heard every word beneath the music.
The smiles. The narrowed eyes.
The silent question on every painted face — Who is she to stand beside the Devil of Eastbridge?
Leonardo didn't flinch.
Didn't blink.
His hand rested lightly on her waist — firm, claiming, untouchable.
> System Alert: High Hostility Zone.
A blonde in a diamond choker drifted past, flashing a sharp smile.
"Leonardo… I see you've found a new accessory."
Zara opened her mouth—
Leonardo beat her to it.
His voice dropped like ice.
"Unlike you, Camille… I don't collect broken things."
Camille's smile froze before she melted into the crowd.
Zara swallowed a laugh.
Leonardo… wasn't polite.
> System Achievement: Verbal Strike — Successful Defense.
They circled the room — sharks in velvet and silk, some eyeing Leonardo with greed, others eyeing Zara with thinly veiled contempt.
A sleek man in a gray suit stepped forward, raising a glass.
"To the new Mrs. DeLuca. May she survive longer than the last one."
Zara's pulse spiked.
The last one?
Leonardo's smile sharpened.
"I'll drink to that… James."
He raised his glass — but his eyes didn't smile.
Zara met James' gaze, refusing to look away.
"I intend to."
The man blinked — then laughed, tipping his glass to her before walking off.
Leonardo glanced down at her, a hint of something flickering in his eyes.
"Impressive."
Zara lifted her chin.
"I'm a fast learner."
> System Note: Relationship Dynamics — Shift Detected.
For the rest of the night, they danced their deadly waltz.
The feared king of Eastbridge…
And his unexpected queen.
But as Zara met stares across the ballroom, she realized one thing—
Leonardo wasn't the only man in this room hiding secrets.
And some of those secrets… were staring right at her.