Two days before my wedding, my father informed me that I was being handed over to one of New York’s most feared crime families—and refusing would cost me everything. But the real shock came on my wedding night, when the man who had already decided I was a spoiled, reckless party girl discovered the one truth nobody knew: I had never been touched.

Three weeks later, my new life as Niko’s wife had settled into a dangerous, intoxicating rhythm.

During the day, I attended my law classes under heavy guard. At night, I returned to the penthouse, where Niko and I shared a passion that grew deeper with every passing hour. He was no longer just my protector; he was becoming my partner.

However, the peace was shattered on a rainy Tuesday afternoon.

I was sitting in the penthouse study, reviewing case law for my midterm exams, when Arthur—Niko’s younger brother and the financial director of the Santoro family—entered the room without knocking.

Arthur was two years younger than Niko, with slick blonde hair, sharp blue eyes, and an arrogant demeanor that I had disliked from the moment I met him.

"Evelyn," Arthur said smoothly, sliding into the armchair across from my desk. "Hard at work on your little law degree?"

"Is there something you need, Arthur?" I asked, closing my textbook.

"I need to talk to you about Niko," Arthur said, leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees. "My brother is soft on you, Evelyn. He’s distracted. Last night, he canceled a hit on a Valenti lieutenant because he wanted to come home for dinner with you."

I frowned, a feeling of unease settling in my stomach. "Niko is managing his business effectively."

"Is he?" Arthur sneered, pulling a thin leather envelope from his jacket. "Your father, Arthur Shaw, just signed an agreement with the federal prosecutor's office. He’s preparing to turn state's evidence against both the Santoros and the Valentis to secure full immunity."

My heart stopped. "What?"

"Your father traded you to Niko to buy time," Arthur revealed coldly. "He used your marriage as a distraction while he gathered financial documents from the Santoro accounts. And do you know who gave him access to those accounts?"

Arthur leaned closer, his eyes flashing with cruel malice. "You did, Evelyn. Every time you used your private security pass at Columbia, your father's team tracked Niko’s encrypted server routes."

I stood up so fast my chair topped over behind me. "That’s a lie! I have never touched Niko’s servers!"

"It doesn't matter if you knew or not," Arthur spat, standing up to face me. "The family council believes you are a plant. They believe you are working with your father to bring down the Santoro empire. By tonight, the captains will demand that Niko eliminate you to prove his loyalty."