Amaya's pulse thundered in her ears as Adrian's words echoed. Marry me—or watch everything you love burn.
Her lips curled in defiance. "You think you can threaten me into this?"
Adrian's gaze never wavered. Cool. Ruthless. Unshakable. "I don't threaten, Amaya. I decide. And you—" his hand brushed a stray curl from her cheek, possessive and calculated—"are already mine."
Before she could spit her fury, the ballroom lights dimmed. The master of ceremonies' voice rang out:
"Ladies and gentlemen, your attention please! Mr. Adrian Cole has an announcement."
Gasps rippled through the glittering crowd. Adrian stepped forward, dragging Amaya with him, his hand anchored on the small of her back. She tried to pull away, but his grip only tightened, commanding the room—and her.
"Tonight," Adrian said, his deep voice carrying across the hall, "I introduce the future Mrs. Cole."
The ballroom exploded with shock. Cameras flashed. Socialites whispered feverishly. Amaya's world tilted. She wanted to scream, to deny it, but every eye was on her, waiting.
Her revenge had been a secret. Now it was a spectacle.
Adrian leaned down, lips ghosting her ear. "Smile, Amaya. You're engaged to the man you hate most."
Her body went rigid, but she forced a dazzling smile, her fury hidden beneath the mask. If this was his game, she would play.
Fine, Adrian, she vowed silently, her heart burning with rage. I'll marry you. But one day, I'll be the reason you lose everything.
The applause thundered around them, but all Amaya heard was the sound of her own vow—a vow of vengeance, sealed beneath the glittering lights of Adrian Cole's empire.