The music faded. The soft clinking of glasses fell silent as a silver spoon tapped lightly against crystal.
All eyes turned to the head of the Voss family.
Grandfather Voss.
The old man stood slowly, yet his presence still commanded the entire ballroom. His white hair was slicked back, eyes sharp as ever, posture straight despite his age. He raised a hand, and the murmurs fell into reverent silence.
"Thank you all for being here tonight," he began, voice deep and slow, yet strong enough to carry without a microphone. "Your presence means more to me than words can say."
Liana stood beside Dominic, her hand resting awkwardly on his arm. She could feel the tension radiating off of him — like a storm waiting for its first crack of thunder.
"This birthday," Elias continued, "marks not only a personal milestone… but the beginning of something new for the Voss legacy."
A few people leaned forward. Cameras began recording. Dominic's mother smiled, already knowing something was coming.
Grandfather turned to face the crowd — then looked directly at Dominic and Liana.
"Tonight, I am proud to announce that my eldest grandson, Dominic Voss, is newly engaged."
A ripple of gasps ran through the room.
The camera flashes multiplied.
Liana's blood ran cold.
What?
"Engaged?" someone whispered nearby.
Even Celeste dropped her glass.
Grandfather raised his champagne.
"Please join me in toasting the future Mrs. Voss — Miss Liana Hayes."
For a breathless second, the world stood still.
Liana stared at the old man, stunned. Her throat tightened. Her body refused to move. She hadn't agreed to this. .
Dominic, however, turned smoothly toward her and pressed a cold kiss to her temple all for the cameras. All for the show.
"Smile," he whispered darkly. "You're the bride now."
The applause was thunderous, but all Liana could hear was the roar of betrayal in her chest.
Across the room, Micah stoodwatching them.
His hands trembled as he stared at her the girl he had promised to find,the girl he grew feeling for, introduced to the world as the fiancée of the cruelest man alive.
And she could do nothing but smile.