Chapter 6: Enemy's Territory

— THE DISOWNED HEIRESS & THE SCARRED FRENCH MONARCH —

Vivienne stood before the grand mirror in Lucian’s penthouse, staring deeply at her reflection. She wore a breathtaking backless black gown that made her look beautiful yet dangerously poised.

The dark fabric contrasted sharply against her pale skin and highlighted every curve perfectly. It was the kind of dress that commanded attention and respect wherever she went.

The heavy door opened silently, and Lucian walked straight into the dressing suite. He looked flawlessly sharp and imposing inside his custom‑fitted charcoal tuxedo.

He did not offer even one compliment or give her a warm smile at all. Instead his eyes remained completely cold, sharp, and unreadable as he moved closer.

"Remember exactly what your role is tonight," Lucian said in his deep, demanding tone. "You are not here to enjoy the party — you are here strictly to work for me."

He handed over a sleek clutch bag encrusted with glittering diamonds all over. Inside the luxury accessory lay a hidden, highly advanced hacking device waiting to be used.

"Get as close as you possibly can to your father Arthur Sterling," he ordered coldly and firmly. "When you are near enough, it will automatically copy all his encrypted shipping data."

"Do not dare fail me in this mission, Vivienne," he warned with absolute authority. "Everything we planned depends entirely on how well you play your part tonight."

Vivienne took the bag carefully while her fingers tightened around its smooth surface. She lifted her chin high and met his intense gaze without showing any fear.

 

The luxury limousine finally pulled up in front of the grand Manhattan hotel entrance. The moment the chauffeur opened the door, bright lights and loud noise rushed straight toward them.

Flashbulbs from paparazzi went crazy all around the street and stairs. Reporters shouted endless questions while trying desperately to catch Lucian’s attention.

He rarely appeared in public, so every single eye was fixed only on him. The sudden overwhelming attention instantly triggered old painful memories inside Vivienne’s mind.

Her hands began shaking visibly as she remembered exactly how the press destroyed her name weeks ago. She felt small, exposed, and almost drowning under the weight of all those watching eyes.

Suddenly a heavy iron‑strong grip locked tightly and possessively around her waist. Lucian pulled her flush firmly against his hard powerful body until no space remained.

"Smile perfectly for all these cameras, little bird," he whispered darkly near her ear. "Show every person here that you now belong to a true King."

He gave her hip a sharp, deliberate pinch hidden safely under the dress fabric. That small sting helped her mask panic into a flawless, dazzling, confident smile instantly.

Together side‑by‑side they walked proudly inside the magnificent gala hall. The grand ballroom sparkled with chandeliers and was filled with New York’s wealthiest elite guests.

Vivienne scanned the crowd carefully until she spotted exactly who she was looking for. There stood her father Arthur and her wicked stepmother Evelyn drinking champagne together.

Lucian smirked cruelly while guiding her path straight toward them without hesitation. His hold tightened even more firmly around her waist as they approached the pair.

Arthur turned around smiling politely — then froze instantly when he recognized Vivienne standing there. His face turned deathly pale and he dropped his glass which shattered loudly on the floor.

"Vivienne?" he gasped out loud while shaking with pure shock and disbelief. "What is the meaning of this? How dare you show your face here tonight?"

Evelyn’s eyes flared instantly with burning hatred and pure rage. She stepped forward sneering loudly and called for security to throw Vivienne out immediately.

Before guards could even move one step, Lucian stepped fully in front of Vivienne. Under bright lights his silver scar stood out sharp, terrifying, and full of absolute dominance.

"Lower your voice and learn who you are speaking to right now," Lucian commanded freezing the whole room instantly. "You do not have the right to order anyone to touch what belongs to me."

"Vivienne is here tonight as my exclusive woman and personal partner," he declared loud enough for every nearby investor to hear clearly. He turned his cold gaze fully toward Arthur and spoke with sharp satisfaction.

"I heard your famous shipping empire is failing and falling apart very badly these days," Lucian said smoothly. "It must be painful watching everything you built crumble while she rises far above you."

Arthur shook with rage but remained completely powerless to fight back at all. He knew better than to openly challenge the powerful De Vitis family in public.

Lucian smoothly caught Vivienne’s hand and pulled her away from the crowd quickly. They slipped unnoticed into a private, locked VIP coatroom just nearby.

The heavy wooden door clicked shut firmly and blocked out all gala noise instantly. Vivienne’s heart pounded wildly from adrenaline, victory, and rising tension between them.

Before she could speak even one word, Lucian slammed her back flat against the closed door. He trapped her fully with his tall frame while his hands pinned her wrists gently yet firmly in place.

The confrontation’s pressure instantly shifted into heavy, heated, dangerous attraction between them. Outside music continued playing softly while inside silence filled only by their fast breathing.

"You performed perfectly well out there tonight," Lucian murmured low and rough near her lips. "But your heart beats too fast for anyone else — even your own father — and I hate sharing."

"Lucian, we are inside a public hotel — anyone could find us here easily," she gasped trembling while her body melted helplessly against his hold. He ignored her warning completely and gripped the hem of her black gown slowly lifting it upward.

"You belong fully and completely only to me tonight, little bird — right here and right now," he whispered darkly and possessively. "No one dares interrupt or disturb what is mine to take whenever I choose."