Shattered Vows - The Empty Barrel Sounded Loud

the most elite gathered, a haven for billionaires, politicians, and socialites who measured power in whispers and sealed deals with a clink of crystal glasses.

ng around her glass. "Please tell me this isn't his gala." Elena winced. "Okay, so maybe I left out that tiny detail." Isla let out a quiet curse. "Unbelievable. Why the hell would you bring me to one of his parties?" Elena gave a sheepish shrug. "I figured you'd never come if I told you the truth." "You figured right," Isla snapped, her pulse hammering. "This is the man who crushed my father's company without so much as blinking." Elena winced. "Yeah, about that... I thought maybe seeing him in person would change your mind. Maybe he's not as bad as the rumors say." Isla scoffed. "Or maybe he's worse." She turned away, intending to leave, but the waiter at the bar intercepted her with a polite nod. "Miss Carter, a request has been made for you." Isla frowned. "A request?" The waiter gestured toward the far side of the ballroom, where a dark corner lounge sat, separated from the rest of the guests. Killian Blackwood stood there, his gaze locked onto hers like a predator assessing its prey. Her stomach twisted. "You have got to be kidding me." Elena grabbed her arm. "Isla. Killian Blackwood just asked for you. Do you have any idea what that means?" "It means I'm leaving," Isla hissed, but Elena held firm. "No. It means you go over there and find out why a man like him is interested in you. This is huge." Isla clenched her jaw, torn between every instinct telling her to walk away and the undeniable pull of curiosity. What could he possibly want with her? Before she could decide, a deep, velvety voice cut through the space between them. "You don't seem the type to ignore an invitation." A shiver ran down Isla's spine as she turned, meeting the piercing gaze of Killian Blackwood up close. His presence was suffocating, overwhelming, and yet... strangely magnetic. She lifted her chin, masking her nerves with a sharp smile. "I also don't respond to summons like a trained dog." His lips curled in amusement. "I suppose that means you're the exception in a room full of people who would kill to be in your position." She narrowed her eyes. "And what pos