At 8:17 PM, the massive brass doors of the Aster House grand ballroom swung open. The hum of high-society chatter, discreet corporate deal-making, and heavy silver clinking against porcelain died instantly.

Six months later.

The grand gardens of the Harrington-Vale estate in Westchester were ablaze with summer blooms.

A massive white silk tent stood on the manicured lawn, illuminated by thousands of fairy lights reflected in the nearby lake.

It was the wedding of the century.

Two hundred guests—legitimate business leaders, charity directors, and close friends—sat around circular tables decorated with white orchids and emerald velvet linens.

At the head table, Evelyn’s mother sat comfortably in a wheelchair, holding a glass of sparkling cider, smiling brightly as she watched her daughter.

Evelyn stood beside Dominic under the floral archway.

She wore a breathtaking, custom lace wedding gown with an illusion back, her long brown hair styled in an elaborate braided crown adorned with tiny diamond pins. Her storm-gray eyes were radiant with pure joy.

Dominic stood beside her in a sharp black tuxedo, looking at her as if she were the only person in the universe.

The priest finished the vows. "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Dominic didn't wait a second. He pulled Evelyn into his arms, dipping her slightly as he pressed his lips against hers in a passionate, deep kiss that brought the entire audience to their feet in a roar of applause!

Later that evening, as the band played soft jazz, Dominic led Evelyn out onto the balcony overlooking the lake.

The night air was warm and sweet with the scent of blooming jasmine.

Dominic wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder as they looked out at the lights reflected on the water.

"Are you happy, Mrs. Vale?" Dominic murmured softly into her ear.

Evelyn rested her hands over his on her waist, feeling the cold platinum band on her finger against his.

"Four years ago," Evelyn said softly, looking up at the stars, "I thought my life was defined by gray skirts, secret ledgers, and hiding in the shadows so no one would hurt me."

She turned in his arms, looking up into his dark, devoted eyes.

"And tonight," Evelyn continued, a brilliant, dazzling smile lighting up her face, "I realize that the joke was on them all along."

Dominic laughed softly, leaning down to press a gentle kiss against her forehead. "Why's that?"