Chapter 3

The Grand Ballroom of the Ritz London glistened under dazzling crystal chandeliers.

Europe's old-money elite, rising tech titans, and waves of high-society journalists filled the space.

In the center of the hall, Serena strutted like a proud peacock in her off-the-shoulder pink gown. Embedded with thousands of micro-diamonds, it sparkled blindingly—an unfinished masterpiece left behind by Vivian's late mother, stolen and altered by Eleanor.

"Serena, you look breathtaking!" a Countess gushed. "Christian Reynolds is the most untamable man in Europe, and you actually snagged him."

"Oh, stop it, Countess," Serena blushed, taking a delicate sip of champagne. "Christian just prefers a soft, sweet woman who values family. Not like my sister, Vivian. I heard she threw a hysterical tantrum at home last night and chopped off all her hair. So embarrassing."

Nearby, Eleanor leaned comfortably on the arm of Arthur Vance, the patriarch of the Vance dynasty.

"Arthur, once the alliance contract is signed, the Reynolds green energy quotas are ours," Eleanor purred. "Vivian is so rebellious, but thankfully Serena is here to help your career."

Arthur Vance gave a cold grunt. "I just hope Serena doesn't embarrass me tonight."

Right then, the grand double doors burst open.

Dressed in a forest-green suit with high heels, a sharp bob, and striking crimson lipstick, Vivian walked in with unhurried grace.

Her commanding presence instantly drew the eyes of half the room.

Serena's eyes flashed with disgust. She smirked provocatively, raising her voice. "Sister! You actually showed up? I thought you'd be too ashamed to witness Christian's and my happiness."

Vivian paused, swirling her champagne glass, her voice laced with casual disdain. "Happiness? Serena, forcing your feet into stolen shoes will only leave you crippled."

"You!" Serena's face twisted. But before she could screech, a wave of gasps rippled through the hall.

Down the main aisle walked Christian Reynolds.

Tall, imposing, in a bespoke black tuxedo and gold-rimmed glasses, he radiated suffocating power.

Eleanor shoved Serena forward. "Go, quick! Christian is here!"

Serena smoothed her dress, putting on her most innocent smile as she strutted over. "Christian, you're finally here! I've been waiting—"

Yet, Christian didn't spare her a single glance. He brushed right past her as if she were made of thin air.

Serena froze, her smile shattering.

"Ladies and gentlemen."

Christian stepped up to the podium microphone. The room fell dead silent as camera flashes went wild.

Eleanor frantically signaled the technicians to play the pre-edited family romance video.

Instead, as the giant screen lit up, what played was anything but a sweet family video!

A harsh audio screech cut through the room, replaced by notarized legal documents and crystal-clear surveillance footage!

On screen, Eleanor was seen using a forged pen to seal real estate transfers belonging to Vivian's late mother. Following that were dozens of offshore wire transfers funneling Vance Group assets directly into Eleanor's personal accounts!

Even worse, the footage cut to Serena at a luxury pawn shop, signing receipts to liquidate stolen heirloom jewelry!

The ballroom fell into dead silence before erupting into utter chaos!

"Mon dieu! Mrs. Vance stole from her late predecessor?"

"And Serena's dress... it's stolen haute couture!"

"This is the biggest high-society scandal of the decade!"

Flashes rained down on Eleanor and Serena like a thunderstorm!

Serena stared at her own signature on the screen, her face ghostly pale. She collapsed to her knees, sobbing hysterically. "No! That's not me! Mom, help me!"

Eleanor's knees buckled, sending her slumping to the floor, her fake, loving mask completely obliterated!

Arthur Vance's face turned thunderous. Slamming his cane onto the floor, he roared at his wife, "You vile woman! Get out! Stop humiliating me!"

Amidst the mayhem, Christian leaned into the microphone, his voice dripping with icy finality:

"The Reynolds family formally announces the immediate cancellation of all engagement agreements with Miss Serena Vance. Reynolds Corp reserves the right to prosecute Mrs. Eleanor Vance for commercial fraud."

With that, Christian stepped off the stage under the shocked gazes of press reporters.

He walked past the weeping Serena, past the broken Eleanor, straight up to Vivian standing in the corner.

Before hundreds of flashing cameras, the untouchable titan bent down, placing a gentlemanly yet intensely possessive kiss on the back of Vivian's hand.

"As you wished, Miss Vance," Christian murmured, his low voice audible only to her. "The engagement is off. Now, the world knows I belong to you."

The room blew up!

He wasn't a brother-in-law—he was the eldest daughter's ultimate ally!

Vivian looked at the masterpiece she had orchestrated, a cold smirk gracing her lips.

Suddenly, madness erupted!

"Vivian Vance! You think you've won?!"

Driven to a dead end, Eleanor lunged forward like a rabid dog, her hair wildly unkempt. She pointed at Vivian, her shrill screech cutting through the room:

"You think you can stomp on us just with this?! You think your mother died of an illness?! Arthur! Tell her! Tell this brat what secret her mother left behind before she died three years ago!"

At those words, Arthur's eyes shrank in terror. He roared in fury, "Eleanor! Shut up!"

Vivian's blood ran ice-cold.

Her mother's death wasn't a car crash or an illness? Did she miss the real killer in her past life?

Cameras flashed wildly; the tension in the room snapped.

Just as Vivian's fingers went numb, a strong arm wrapped around her waist from behind, pulling her firmly into a warm, woodsy-scented chest.

Christian shielded her from every prying lens. Leaning down against her ear, his hot breath sent shivers down her spine as he rasped:

"Don't listen to her, Vivian. If you want to know how your mother really died, come back to my penthouse tonight. I'll trade Reynolds family top-tier secrets to keep you in my bed."

Vivian whipped her head up. Behind Christian's gold glasses, his eyes burned with pure, unadulterated hunger.

The truth behind her mother's death, her stepmother's final poison, and a midnight invitation from the most dangerous man in London.

Vivian's heart slammed against her ribs.