The 24-year-old woman was forced by her stepmother to get into bed with one of her business partners, and she fled in desperation to a stranger's car… but that moment of fate would change her life forever…

The next day was a whirlwind of preparation. Ethan’s estate was transformed into a high-end salon as top designers, stylists, and makeup artists arrived with racks of haute couture gowns and velvet boxes filled with millions of dollars in diamonds.

Ethan stood by the doorway of the grand dressing room, watching the stylists work on Aria. "Nothing submissive," he directed the lead designer. "She is not a victim returning to the fold. She is a conqueror claiming her throne. Dress her accordingly."

The designer nodded nervously and selected a breathtaking gown of midnight blue silk. It featured an asymmetrical neckline, a structured bodice that resembled armor, and a dramatic, elegant cape that flowed from the right shoulder. The dark blue fabric perfectly complemented Aria’s porcelain skin, and the styling completely concealed the bruise on her cheek beneath a sophisticated, swept-back hairstyle.

When Aria finally stepped out of the dressing room, wearing the midnight blue gown and a pair of sapphire drop earrings, even the stoic Marcus let out a soft murmur of admiration.

Ethan stood up from his chair, his usual cold expression faltering for a fraction of a second as his eyes traced her silhouette. He was wearing a custom-tailored Tom Ford tuxedo that made him look incredibly handsome and intensely dangerous.

"You look exceptional, Miss Montgomery," Ethan said, offering his arm to her. "Are your feet holding up?"

"The bandages are thin enough to fit inside the shoes," Aria said, placing her hand lightly on his forearm. She could feel the hard muscle beneath the expensive fabric of his tuxedo. "I could walk through fire tonight if it means facing Victoria."

"You won't have to walk through fire," Ethan murmured as they walked toward the waiting limousine. "You are the fire tonight. I am merely the man providing the oxygen."

Inside the limousine, the atmosphere was charged with an electric tension. As the vehicle cruised through the illuminated streets of Los Angeles toward Beverly Hills, Ethan handed Aria a small, encrypted earpiece.

"Sarah and the federal marshals are already positioned inside the hotel," Ethan explained. "Marcus will remain within twenty feet of you at all times. When we enter the ballroom, do not look at Victoria. Do not look at Vance. Look at me, and let me control the room until the moment of the announcement."

Aria nodded, her heart racing, but it was no longer the panic of the girl running through the rain. It was the thrill of the hunt. "I trust you, Ethan."