The ball was everything Isabella loathed glittering chandeliers, diamonds around every wrist, gigeles that rang mockingly. All in their silks and gold, but underneath, it was all famine. Famine for power, for gossip, for the next scandal.Alexander took her hand as they entered, not because he loved her but because he owned her. His grip was fierce, almost brutal, as if daring someone to not believe she was with him. Cameras clicked, capturing the ideal shot of the ideal couple. The ruse was flawless."Smile," he breathed into her ear, his voice a warning coated with silk.She pressed her mouth into the smile she had seen her mother flash at social gatherings like this one smooth, expert, empty. Her gut twisted.Near the middle of the evening, a stout older businessman came over, his eyes resting on Isabella longer than was proper before he said, "Mr. Knight, you never told me your wife was so beautiful."Alexander's arm encircled her waist, drawing her close until the heat of his bod
Last Updated : 2025-09-02 Read more