Chapter 3: The Dinner Where They Tried To Destroy Her

At 7pm, Elena came downstairs.

She wore a black evening gown Adrian's stylist picked. Hair curled, makeup perfect. She looked like a billionaire's wife. But inside, she was shaking.

The dining room was full. Adrian's mother, his brother, his business partners — 10 people staring at her.

"Everyone, this is Elena Hart. My wife," Adrian announced, his hand on her lower back. Possessive. Cold.

His mother, Margaret Knight, stood up. Elegant, 60, eyes like ice. "Wife? Adrian, you told us you were marrying Vanessa. Who is this girl?"

"My wife," Adrian repeated, louder. "We married yesterday."

Margaret laughed. "Adrian, don't joke. This girl looks like she works in a supermarket."

Elena's face burned. She wanted to disappear.

Adrian pulled out a chair for her. "Sit."

Dinner started. It was torture.

"So Elena, what does your father do?" one man asked.

Elena froze. Her father was in police station because of Adrian.

"He... he is retired," she lied.

"Retired from what? Stealing?" Margaret muttered.

Elena dropped her spoon.

Adrian saw it. His jaw tightened. He stood up.

"Enough," he said, voice low and dangerous. "You can insult me. You cannot insult my wife. Apologize to her, mother."

Everyone gasped. Adrian Knight never talked to his mother like that.

Margaret was shocked. "Adrian! You are defending this —"

"She is my wife. And the mother of my future children. If you can't respect her, you can leave my house."

Elena looked at him, stunned. Was he defending her? Or just defending his property?

Margaret stood, angry. "Fine. But remember, Adrian — I investigated her. Her family has a $200,000 hospital debt. Her father is a criminal. She married you for money! She is a gold digger!"

The room went silent.

Elena couldn't breathe. Tears came.

She stood up. "It's true," she said, voice shaking but loud. "My mother is sick. My family is poor. But I did NOT marry Adrian for money. He forced me. He blackmailed me. He told me he would put my father in jail if I didn't sign his contract. So yes, I am his wife. But not because I wanted money. Because I had no choice!"

Everyone stared at Adrian.

Adrian's face turned dark. He grabbed Elena's wrist.

"Come with me," he pulled her out of dining room, into his office, slamming the door.

"You talk too much," he hissed, pushing her against the wall.

"You said I should slap anyone who disrespects me!" Elena cried, tears falling. "Your mother disrespected me!"

He stared at her tears. His anger cracked for a second.

"Why didn't you tell me your mother is that sick?" he whispered.

"Because you would use it against me! Like you use everything!"

Adrian was breathing hard, his body pressed against hers.

"You want to know the truth, Elena? Your father didn't steal that money. I set him up. I faked the transfers."

Elena froze. "What?"

"I needed a reason to make you sign. I needed you here. In my house. In my bed."

"You're a monster!"

"Yes," he said, his lips almost touching hers. "And you married this monster. So now you have to live with him."

Outside the door, his mother was listening. And she smiled — because now she had proof that Adrian forced Elena. A perfect weapon.