Chapter 8: The Crimson Empress

​The Grand Palace Hotel was the pinnacle of high-society luxury in the capital. Crystal chandeliers hung from sixty-foot gilded ceilings, casting brilliant, dazzling light over hundreds of executives, aristocrats, and reporters assembled for the Blackwood Group's Autumn Gala.

​A black Maybach pulled up to the red carpet at the grand entrance.

​When the driver opened the door, a sudden hush fell over the crowd of reporters outside.

​Lucian Blackwood stepped out first, wearing a tailored midnight-black tuxedo that emphasized his broad shoulders and towering stature. But as he turned back toward the car, his expression melted into one of absolute, tender care.

​He extended his broad hand into the vehicle, gently guiding Evelyn out into the cool night air.

​Gasps echoed through the crowd.

​Evelyn stepped onto the red carpet wearing the custom blood-crimson velvet gown. The structured corset hugged her slender waist, while the heavy fabric spilled around her feet like liquid ruby. Around her throat sat a collar of flawless Blackwood diamonds that caught the flashing cameras in a blinding spray of light. She held Lucian’s arm with delicate, timid grace, her pale eyes gazing softly into the distance, playing the helpless, ethereal bride to perfection.

​"Is that Evelyn Vance?!" a reporter whispered loudly near the velvet ropes. "I thought she was a recluse!"

​"Look at the way he holds her!" another gasped. "The Tyrant of the Capital looks like he'd tear anyone apart if they even looked at her wrong!"

​Evelyn walked beside Lucian, her hyper-acute hearing processing every camera shutter click, every whisper, and every hidden heartbeat in a hundred-foot radius.

​Camera shutter speeds set to burst mode on the left, Evelyn analyzed in her mind. Two guards at the double doors carrying concealed sidearms. And twenty feet ahead...

​"Lucian! What a magnificent evening!" a loud, booming voice interrupted them.

​Director Harrison stood near the grand archway, wearing a wide, artificial smile. Behind him stood Victoria Blackwood, wearing a glittering silver dress, her eyes burning with pure, unadulterated venom as she glared at Evelyn.

​"Director Harrison," Lucian greeted cold and flatly, not stopping his stride as he guided Evelyn past them. "I see you made it."

​"Of course! I wouldn't miss the company's biggest night," Harrison said, stepping into their path with practiced political ease. He turned his eyes toward Evelyn, a patronizing smirk touching his lips. "And Mrs. Blackwood... you look breathtaking. It must be overwhelming for someone in your... condition... to handle such a loud crowd."

​Victoria stepped forward, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "Yes, Lucian. Are you sure it was wise to bring her? She looks like she’s about to faint. The high-society ladies are already laughing at how she needs to be led around like a child."

​Lucian’s pulse dropped into a dangerous, lethal freeze. His hand tightened over Evelyn’s.

​"Victoria," Lucian whispered, his voice so quiet and terrifying that the air around them seemed to drop five degrees. "If I hear your voice again tonight, you will be escorted out by security and stripped of your Blackwood trust shares before the main course is served."

​Victoria turned pale, taking an immediate step back, her lower lip trembling in shock.

​Evelyn turned her head slightly toward Harrison, letting a soft, fragile smile grace her lips. "Director Harrison is very kind to worry about me," she said, her voice small, sweet, and breathy. "My hearing is very sensitive, you see. Sometimes... I hear things that other people miss completely."

​Harrison’s smile twitched slightly, a subtle wave of unease passing through his eyes. "Is that so, my dear?"

​"Yes," Evelyn replied, tilting her head innocently. "For instance, I hear your heart beating very fast right now, Director. Are you nervous about tonight's board announcement?"

​Harrison’s breath hitched in a sharp, sudden gasp. His pulse spiked violently, slamming against his ribs like a trapped bird.

​Lucian looked down at Evelyn, his dark eyes narrowing with a flash of intense intrigue.

​"Nervous?" Harrison forced a nervous, gravelly laugh, wiping a bead of sweat from his temple. "Nonsense! Just... excited for the future of the company. Enjoy the evening, CEO Blackwood."

​Harrison grabbed Victoria’s arm and quickly retreated into the main ballroom, his footsteps hurried and uneven.

​Lucian leaned down, his warm lips nearly touching Evelyn’s ear as they walked into the main hall. "What was that about, Evelyn?"

​"He smelled like cheap tobacco and panic, Lucian," Evelyn whispered back, her voice completely innocent. "Did I say something wrong?"

​Lucian stared at her side profile, a slow, dark smirk breaking across his handsome face. "No, my quiet little wife. You said absolute perfection."