Chapter 7 - THE PROPOSAL THAT SHOOK THE CITY
The collective gasp of five hundred people blew through the ballroom like a sudden gust of wind.
Victoria Sterling dropped her glass of champagne; it shattered against the floor, soaking her silk shoes, but she didn't even notice. Her eyes were wide with pure, unadulterated horror. Marcus stood frozen, sweating profusely, backed up against the stage.
Hannah covered her mouth with both hands, her heart pounding so hard she felt dizzy. Tears welled up in her dark eyes, sparkling under the golden chandeliers.
"Adrien..." she whispered, her voice trembling. "What are you doing?"
Adrien reached into his tuxedo jacket and pulled out a velvet box. He opened it to reveal a flawless, five-carat canary yellow diamond ring, surrounded by a band of intricate platinum.
"Hannah Mitchell," Adrien said, his baritone voice carrying clearly through the silent room, entirely unbothered by the dozens of camera flashes recording every second. "When I was broken, bitter, and waiting to die in the dark, you walked into my life with a silver tray and no fear."
A soft, tearful laugh escaped Hannah’s lips.
"You refused to bow to my anger," Adrien continued, his eyes locked onto hers with absolute truth. "You shielded me with your own body when bullets flew. You taught me how to stand again—not just on my feet, but as a man."
He took her right hand, his touch warm and firm.
"This city is full of fake people who value skin deep beauty and stolen wealth," Adrien said loudly, turning his head slightly to glare at Victoria and the snickering noblewomen, who cringed beneath his terrifying gaze. "They are blind to true royalty. You are the strongest, most brilliant, and most breathtaking woman I have ever known."
He looked back up at her, his expression softening into pure devotion.
"Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife, the mistress of the Romano estate, and the queen of my life?"
Tears streamed down Hannah’s cheeks, ruining her makeup, but she didn't care. She had spent her entire life feeling unworthy, unwanted, and discarded by people who judged her by a scale. And here was the most powerful man in the city, standing on the legs she helped heal, asking her to rule beside him.
"Yes!" Hannah sobbed softly, stepping forward. "Yes, Adrien! A thousand times yes!"
Adrien slid the massive diamond ring onto her finger. He stood up smoothly, wrapped his strong arms around her waist, pulled her plush frame against his chest, and kissed her deeply right there in the center of the ballroom.
The room erupted into chaotic applause. Loyal family members, awe-struck guests, and smart politicians who knew which way the wind was blowing began to cheer loudly.
When Adrien finally broke the kiss, he kept his arm securely wrapped around Hannah’s waist, supporting her as she leaned into him. He turned his gaze toward Marcus, who was trying to slip toward the back exit under cover of the noise.
"Victor," Adrien commanded coldly over the cheering crowd.
Victor and four armed men blocked the exit doors, intercepting Marcus.
"Take my cousin to the harbor basement," Adrien ordered, his voice flat and unforgiving. "He has a long list of debts to pay to the family."
"Adrien! Please! We’re blood!" Marcus screamed as Victor grabbed him by the collar, dragging him out into the night. "Adrien!"
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Adrien didn't even watch him leave. He turned to the crowd, raising his champagne glass high with his free hand.
"Tonight, we celebrate!" Adrien announced, his voice booming over the music. "To my future wife—the new ruler of the Romano family!"
