UNMASKING FATE

ined with leather-bound books. The room smelled of aged wood and rich tobacco, an unmistakable signature of her father's presence. Vi

ike a knife. "You must understand that this marriage is not just about you.

air. Her father had always been controlling, but this was a step too far. "I'm not

ete jungle outside. "This is not a request. You will marry Alistair M

She had always known her father to be ruthless in business, but this was a new level

ting. "Then you will face the consequences, and they will be seve

to be trapped in a loveless marriage, not when there was another way. As she

il a breaking news segment caught her attention. The screen showed a grainy image of a

is reportedly on his way to New York. Sources indicate that he will be

th danger, power, and the kind of ruthless efficiency that could challenge eve

She rifled through her clothes, pulling out an elegant, dark blue gown ador

ch Lucien. She knew it wouldn't be easy; convincing a man like him to help her would take more than ju

itement. She was taking a huge risk, but it was one she had to take. Her fat

eavily guarded, but Seraphina had spent years learning its ins and outs. She knew

her garter, a precaution against the dangers that lay ahead.

, moving through hidden passages and back corridors. The sound of distant laug

ght. The cool air hit her face, bringing with it a sense of freedom she hadn't felt in years. She was on

k, but one he was willing to take. The masquerade ball would be the perfect cover for his true purpose: to exact revenge on those who had wronged him and reclaim what was rightfully his. A knock on the door pulled him from his thoughts. It was Matteo, his loyal right-hand man, and trusted confidant. "Everything is ready, b

immering light over the crowd and the air was filled with the sound of music and laughter. Seraphine Dever

into a flowing skirt. Her thick, black hair was styled in loose waves that framed her face, and her striking blue eyes glinte

, his mask adding an air of danger to his already formidable demeanour. His dark hair was slicked back, and his hazel eye

ched him, her smile inviting. "Would you like t

at hand. He was waiting for Mateo to return with crucial information. Ign

dress shimmered under the lights, and her eyes, a captivating blue, locked onto his. She moved wit

Seraphina's approach and tried to regain h

ed on Seraphina as she stopped in front

even more intimidating and handsome than she had imagined. Gatherin

nreadable. Then, to her surprise, he offered her his hand.

ct. As they moved to the dance floor, she decided to test the water

o a slight, enigmatic sm

need to speak with him. I have a proposition that coul

his composure. "Lucien is a difficult man to reach. What m

eyes. "Because it involves a significant sum of mon

bly, but he remained outwardly calm. "Interest

"Because you seem like a man who knows how to get

ing into the background. Finally, Lucien spoke, his voice a mer

secluded alcove, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was step

pped, his eyes locking onto hers. "I'm afraid I can't

brow furrowe

ght, enigmatic smile. "Let's j

ne's eyes. "Then can I know the

moved his mask. "My name is Bob," he lied s

atures. She removed her mask as well, her ocea

tween them palpable. Lucien was taken aba

"I won't give up on speaking with your boss, Bob. Unti

er retreating figure, captivat