THE BILLIONAIRE'S BARGAIN

re adorned with towering floral arrangements and silk linens. The scent of roses and expensive champagne mingled in the air, creating a heady atmosphere that wa

fingers clenched around the stem of an untouched champagne flute. The weight of the diamond-encrusted w

r his breath, his voice as smooth as silk

r wedding ceremony had been nothing short of a theatrical production, orchestrated to perfection for the benefit o

securing the future of this family," Daniel had declared as he adjuste

led with fury. "A partnersh

tand someday," he had

ore about champagne than love, she wondered if understanding would ever

chard observed, his blue e

y?" she replied, ke

s breath warm against her ear.

ned. "Is that wh

r," he said, his tone deceptively pleas

ffened.

a faint smile. "We'll

business associates approached the table, the

a tailored suit, clapped him on the back. "Congr

he man's casual objectificati

omas Grayson, one o

lingering on her a moment too l

her new title, but she forced her

lucky man," Thomas said, his

but his grip on Catherine's h

it," Richard said smoothly.

to the weight of his words.

ichard turned to her, hi

used

asked, her v

," he said. "It's

fists. "You mean being

darkened. "Wa

of ceremonies tapped a microphone,

ent the bride and groom for their

d Richard rose smoothly from his se

he asked, hi

elf to stand. Placing her hand in his, she l

arm circled her waist, pulling her closer than necessary.

ense," he

why," she

"Relax, Catherine. T

in. As they glided across the floor, Catherine felt the weight of countless eyes on them

unning, i

long this on

quite the

atherine's resolve. "Focus on

ped to his. "

ers now." His voice was low, dange

use once more. Richard's hand lingered on her waist as he led he

se, his voice barely above a whisper

ed. "What are yo

reach his eyes. "You'll

s no marriage-it was a cage. And

toasts and polite conversation. Catherine's smile be

brewing. Catherine's anger and rese

to congratulate him on his new wife. Catherine felt like a prop

forever. She needed a way out, a way to escape

is seat, his eyes locking onto hers. "Time to leave

ame next – the honeymoon, the photo sho

n a sea of expectation. But for

Richard offered his arm, and she took it, her

, Catherine caught a glimpse of her parents, standi

and betrayal. They had done this to

would never

e as they emerged from the hotel. Richard's limou

ash over her. She was trapped, c

ouldn't give up –

is eyes glinting in the dim light. "We have a long night

he meant – the photo shoots, the inter

ing pulled apart, stretc

to keep up the act

ace, her lips curling upward

aid, her voice bar

piercing. "I doubt that," he said,

ng in her chest. She knew she had to keep u

ff into the night. Catherine felt like she was leaving h

She had to find a way out, a way to

n her eye, Catherine steeled hers