Chapter 4: The Transformation

The private dressing suite inside the Vance Tower was filled with high-end racks of haute couture gowns and cases of shimmering diamonds. Three top celebrity stylists moved nervously around Sienna, adjusting the hem of a breathtaking crimson silk dress.

​Sienna looked at her reflection in the full-length mirror. The sleek, emerald-red gown hugged her curves perfectly, while its low back and thigh-high slit added a dangerous edge to her elegance. Her dark hair was styled in soft, cascading waves, and her lips were painted a bold, lethal shade of red.

​The girl who had been crying in the rain last night was gone. In her place stood a woman ready for war.

​The heavy double doors opened, and Ezekiel stepped into the room. He wore a sharp, custom-tailored black tuxedo that highlighted his broad shoulders and commanding posture.

​He paused for a fraction of a second when his silver-gray eyes met hers in the mirror.

​"Satisfied, Mr. Vance?" Sienna asked, turning around to face him.

​Ezekiel walked over slowly, his footfalls quiet against the plush carpet. He stopped right in front of her, the faint scent of sandalwood and rain lingering in the air between them. Without a word, he reached into his coat pocket, pulled out a velvet box, and opened it.

​Inside lay a breathtaking necklace—a rare, teardrop-shaped black diamond surrounded by platinum.

​"This belonged to my late mother," Ezekiel said softly, his voice devoid of its usual coldness for a split second. He lifted the necklace and stepped behind her.

​Sienna held her hair up, feeling his warm fingers brush against the sensitive skin of her neck as he fastened the clasp. A sudden shiver ran down her spine at the contact, making her breath hitch.

​"It suits you," Ezekiel murmured into her ear, his deep voice sending a jolt through her chest. He stepped back around to look at her. "Tonight, every camera and every pair of eyes in the city will be on you. Remember our arrangement—you are Mrs. Vance now."

​"I haven't forgotten," Sienna replied, meeting his gaze with unyielding resolve. "I'm ready."

​An hour later, the black Maybach pulled up to the grand entrance of the Royal Palm Hotel, where the Vance Foundation Charity Gala was being hosted. Paparazzi flashes blinded the windows as hundreds of reporters crowded the red carpet.

​The valet opened the door. Ezekiel stepped out first, buttoning his suit jacket before extending a hand back into the vehicle.

​Sienna placed her gloved hand in his. The moment her heels hit the red carpet, camera shutters went wild.

​Ezekiel wrapped a firm, possessive arm around her waist, pulling her flush against his side. The unexpected intimacy made Sienna’s heart race, but she kept a poised, dazzling smile on her face as they walked into the grand ballroom.

​The room was filled with the city's most powerful elite, aristocrats, and business tycoons. Murmurs instantly rippled through the crowd as Ezekiel Vance entered—not alone, but with a stunning woman on his arm.

​Suddenly, Sienna’s eyes locked onto a couple standing near the champagne tower.

​It was Tristan and Chloe.

​Tristan was holding a glass of wine, laughing with a group of investors, while Chloe clung tightly to his arm, wearing a flashy pink dress and trying so hard to look like royalty.

​Sienna felt a surge of dark satisfaction. It was time.

​As if sensing her tension, Ezekiel leaned down, his lips brushing dangerously close to her ear. "Shall we say hello to your former fiancé?"

​Sienna smirked, her eyes gleaming with icy resolve. "Lead the way, husband."

​They glided through the crowd. When Tristan turned around to greet Ezekiel, his confident smile froze instantly. His champagne glass slipped from his hand, crashing onto the marble floor.

​CRASH!

​Chloe gasped loudly, her face turning pale as paper as she stared at Sienna. "S-Sienna?! How... why are you here?!"

​Tristan stumbled back a step, looking between Sienna’s stunning appearance and Ezekiel’s arm wrapped possessively around her waist. "What is the meaning of this, Mr. Vance? Why are you with this penniless trash?!"

​Ezekiel’s silver eyes turned deadly cold. He stepped forward, his towering presence casting a dark shadow over Tristan.

​"Watch your mouth," Ezekiel’s voice echoed like thunder across the quieted ballroom. "You are speaking to my wife—the new First Lady of the Vance Empire."