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Chapter 18: Into the Lion's Den

Author: Lauren Diamond
last update Last Updated: 2025-12-18 05:43:33

"Smile."

Tyler's hand is on my lower back, guiding me out of the car. The touch is possessive, claiming, and exactly what Liam trained me to expect.

Cameras flash like lightning strikes.

"Mr. Raven! Who's the woman?"

"Is it true you're engaged?"

"April! April West! Look here!"

The paparazzi swarm the entrance to Ascendant—the most exclusive restaurant in the city. Tyler keeps me close, his body shielding me from the worst of the crush. Security holds the photographers back, but barely.

This is my first public appearance as Tyler's fiancée. Liam spent yesterday coaching me. Carmen helped me dress—a black cocktail dress that hugs every curve, diamond earrings that cost more than Aunt Marie's house, heels that make my legs look a mile long.

I'm dressed like a billionaire's trophy.

I'm playing the part.

"Head up," Tyler murmurs as we approach the entrance. "Smile. You're happy to be here."

I paste on a smile. The cameras eat it up.

Inside Ascendant, the atmosphere shifts from chaos to con
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