All Chapters of BOUND WITH THE RUTHLESS CEO: Chapter 21 - Chapter 25

ZARA'S POVThe applause that followed Van's arrival hadn't completely died down when the MC stepped onto the stage, with a microphone in hand. A broad smile spread across his face as he waited patiently for the ballroom to settle. Little by little, conversations faded, glasses were lowered, and every eye turned toward the stage.“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began warmly. “May I have your attention, please?”“On behalf of the Grey Foundation, we want to thank you all for honoring tonight's invitation. Every year, this gala reminds us that generosity isn't measured by wealth alone but by the willingness to change another person's life.”A round of applause swept through the ballroom. The MC smiled before continuing. “Tonight, because of every single person gathered in this room, hundreds of children will receive scholarships, families will receive medical support, and communities will benefit from projects that would otherwise remain dreams.”Another wave of applause followed…I glanced to

ZARA'S POVThe scream had barely left the man's mouth when the entire ballroom erupted into chaos.Chairs scraped against the marble floor as guests rushed toward Lady Carmel, who had collapsed beside her table.I remained frozen in my seat for a second, my eyes fixed on the crowd forming around her.“What happened?”“She just collapsed!”The cheerful music that had filled the ballroom moments earlier was gone, replaced by frightened voices, hurried footsteps and the sharp clatter of glasses being abandoned on tables.I stood slowly, clutching my purse against my side as I tried to see through the crowd.Lady Carmel was lying on the floor, one hand pressed against her chest while the other trembled weakly, her face had lost almost all its color.“Everyone move back.” A voice firm enough to silence several people at once shouted from within the crowd. A man in his early fifties stepped forward, his tuxedo slightly disheveled from having rushed across the ballroom.“I’m a doctor, please

VAN'S POV“Who dares touch my wife without my consent?” My voice carried across the ballroom, silencing every whisper that had filled the room seconds earlier. The police officer holding Zara's wrist slowly turned toward me, his hand still around her arm. I looked at his fingers first, then at the handcuffs hanging from his other hand before raising my eyes to his face. “Release her.”The officer hesitated. “Mr. Grey, your wife is currently a suspect in a poisoning and theft investigation.”“I heard you the first time.” I stepped closer. “I told you to release her.”He finally let go of Zara's wrist. She immediately pulled her arm toward herself, rubbing the spot where he had held her. “What is your name?”“Inspector Holt.”“Inspector Holt explain," I said. "From the beginning. I want the full sequence of events."Holt hesitated, caught off guard by my calm demand. Then he straightened and began."Lady Carmel collapsed approximately forty-five minutes ago. Dr. Scott examined her and