1.No Nanny Survived Dinner With His Quadruplets—Until a Broke Stranger Took Charge...

To defeat Marcus Vance, Victor needed to show the city’s elite that he was still in complete control. That meant attending the annual Lake Forest Charity Gala—a high-society event where every major player in Chicago business and politics would be watching.

"I want you to come with me," Victor told Clara three days before the event.

"Victor, I don't belong at a gala," Clara protested. "I don't have a dress, and I certainly don't know how to make small talk with senators."

"I’ve already taken care of the dress," Victor said. "And as for the small talk, you faced down Genevieve Vance at the school. You’ll do fine."

On the night of the gala, Clara stood in front of the mirror in her temporary bedroom. The dress Victor had bought her was a deep emerald silk that draped perfectly over her curves, complementing her green eyes. Her hair was swept up in an elegant chignon, and for the first time in years, she didn't look like a woman who was running out of money. She looked like she belonged.

When she walked down the stairs, Victor was waiting in the foyer. He wore a flawless tuxedo, but when he saw her, his breath caught. For a moment, the powerful billionaire looked completely speechless.

"You look... stunning, Clara," he said, his voice husky.

"Thank you," she smiled, her heart doing a strange flutter. "The boys told me I look like a green dragon, which apparently is a high compliment."

The gala was held in a massive glass conservatory overlooking Lake Michigan. As Victor and Clara entered, a hush fell over the room. Whispers rippled through the crowd of diamonds and silk.

"Is that the nanny?"

"I heard she’s living there."

"Hale’s lost his mind."

Victor ignored them, his hand resting possessively on the small of Clara’s back as he guided her through the crowd.

Suddenly, Marcus Vance appeared in their path, accompanied by his sister Genevieve. Marcus was a sharp-featured man with cold, calculating eyes and a cruel smile.

"Victor," Marcus sneered, raised his champagne glass. "I didn't think you’d have the courage to show your face after your little... security breach last week. And you brought the help. How charming."

"Marcus," Victor said, his voice smooth and cold. "I brought Clara because she is the future of my family. Unlike you, I don't keep my assets hidden in the dark."

"Your family's future might be shorter than you think, Hale," Vance whispered, leaning in so only they could hear. "The ledger you took? It’s worthless without the decryption keys. And those keys are currently in my possession. You’ve got nothing on me."

Clara stepped forward, her emerald silk rustling. She smiled sweetly at Vance. "Actually, Mr. Vance, while you were busy trying to buy my ex-husband's cooperation to testify against me in court, you forgot one simple rule of business."

Vance frowned. "What are you talking about?"

"You outsource your digital security to a firm called Aegis Tech," Clara said, recalling the files she had helped Victor organize the night before. "The owner of Aegis Tech is currently trying to secure a major zoning permit from Victor’s real estate firm. He was more than happy to trade your decryption keys for a guaranteed construction contract."

Vance’s face went pale. "You’re lying."

"Check your phone, Marcus," Victor said, his smile lethal. "Your accounts are being frozen as we speak. The federal marshals are already waiting at your estate."

Vance reached into his pocket, his hands shaking as his phone began to buzz frantically. He looked at Clara, then at Victor, his eyes filled with pure venom.

"This isn't over," Vance hissed, before turning and rushing out of the conservatory, Genevieve scrambling to follow him.