Chapter 2

My birthday party was over the top.

Jonathan had shut down the entire underground high-end casino, laid out red carpets and fresh red and white roses flown in specially. Everything dripped with money.

All the guests crowded around me, their eyes full of envy.

"Victoria, Mr. Thorne treats you so well!"

"I swear, you won't find a more devoted husband in all of New York."

I stood at the top of the VIP balcony, smiling as I raised my champagne glass, listening to all the flattery. Inside, I felt nothing but cold contempt.

Jonathan pressed up behind me and asked quietly, "Sweetheart, are you happy with everything tonight? As long as you're happy, it's all worth it to me."

"Of course I'm happy." I turned around, smiling, and looked deep into his eyes. "And in return, I've got a gift for you too."

Jonathan froze. Then his face lit up with surprise.

He'd always dreamed of getting real access to the core of the Carpentier family's power. And he thought his patience was finally paying off.

Then came the performance. The jazz band kicked in, and the casino dancers took the stage.

They wore elaborate costumes made of feathers and rhinestones, twisting and swaying under the lights.

And front and center, I spotted her immediately. Sienna Vance.

She looked younger than in the photos. Her eyes burned with ambition. Even in the tall stage costume, you could still make out the small swell of her belly.

I tapped my champagne glass lightly. The room went quiet. The music stopped.

I pointed at Sienna on stage.

"You. Come here."

The second the words left my mouth, Jonathan's face went stiff. On stage, Sienna wobbled on her feet.

Their eyes met for a split second in the air.

"Sweetheart, maybe not the best idea?"

Jonathan hurried to wrap an arm around my waist, his voice urgent.

"They're covered in sweat. They're just ordinary staff. Not worth your time. Don't let these rough types ruin your mood."

"Relax, Jonathan. I want to thank her."

I smiled and pushed his hand away, then snapped my fingers.

"Bring her up."

Jonathan gritted his teeth and gave his men a look.

Soon enough, Sienna walked up to me, trembling.

She kept her head down, panicked, not even daring to glance at Jonathan.

I stood up and walked over to her, calm and unhurried.

I asked,"What's your name?"

She stammered,

"Sienna. Sienna Vance—"

I reached out, slid a custom ring off my finger, and in front of everyone, placed it on Sienna's cold, shaking hand.

She froze.

"You dance beautifully."

I smiled.

Then I turned to face the entire banquet hall, raised my voice, and announced:

"In the Thorne family's businesses, any employee who works hard and stays loyal gets exactly what they deserve!"

The room erupted in applause and cheers.

People gasped:

"Did you see that? That was a diamond ring!"

"It has to be worth at least a million! Mrs. Thorne is so generous!"

In the blind spots no one else could see, Jonathan and Sienna's faces were twisted.

"Alright, darling. Come stand by me."

I reached both hands out to Jonathan, my voice warm.

"I told you, I've got a bigger surprise for you tonight."

Jonathan rushed to my side like he'd just been pardoned, fighting to hide his panic, forcing a smile.

I faced the entire room—the top brass of the Carpentier family, the city's elite—and announced with a smile:

"Since everyone's here tonight, I have a decision to make public. Starting tomorrow, the Carpentier family's most vital, most profitable asset—the Brooklyn underground docks, along with full independent control of all arms trafficking—will be officially placed in the hands of my husband, Jonathan Thorne!"

The room went dead silent. Then it exploded.

That was the lifeline of the Carpentier family. Whoever held it held unshakable wealth and power in the underworld.

Jonathan froze completely. The shock on his face flipped into pure, wild ecstasy. Every trace of panic vanished, replaced by the arrogance of a man whose ambition had finally been satisfied.

He lost it. He yanked me into his arms and, in front of everyone, kissed me hard and desperate.

"Victoria! My God—thank you!"

I let him hold me. But over his shoulder, through the noise and the crowd, I looked across the room at Sienna.

She stood in the shadows, staring at the two of us kissing, clutching that ring so tight her knuckles went white. The jealousy and hatred in her eyes was about to spill over.

I slowly closed my eyes, hiding the cold, venomous glint beneath them.

Go on. Celebrate. Rejoice, Jonathan.

You've swallowed the bait.