The Billionaire's Captive Bride

draped ballroom in an opulent, golden glow. But the light didn't reach her. Not tr

in silk, dresse

Red, like sin. The neckline plunged lower than dignity allowed, and her heel

e was no

the s

e

t had just labele

nty-two. Educa

's stomach twisted. She wanted to scream, wanted to run, wanted

already tr

neath the sleeves reminded her

ored suits. Men whose eyes glinted behind anonymity

pped forward, lif

nal offering tonight is something truly rare. Untou

owd ch

g into her palms. Rage flared in her throat, but she s

ven her

one day," he'd sa

gacy, Isla. You'll

n in a

er drew open slowly, reveal

eyes lock

ening, suffocating silence until some

in high, even as the shame crawled

lion dollars," the anno

ce ra

point

ot

mil

point

hr

limbed. Her h

as a nail i

ce sealed

just one-that looked human. But they were all wear

xcept

h a spotlight that didn't touch

idn'

't s

't s

ply wa

rced straight through her. He looked a

er like he alr

ion!" some

his brow. "Five milli

back leaned f

en

en calmly. With no

hattered

hat followed

throat. Every heartbeat th

llion

d. "T-Ten million? Do

ne d

ey saw who

realized who

a knew t

en Bla

tycoon. Billionaire. Brut

er highes

..." the announcer said, v

nal

ol

el slam

like a pr

r off stage

flanked her on either side, their expressions blank. A man

, not bothering

ct shook i

tails had already been arranged behind cl

oice behind her. De

tu

frame draped in black. No tie. Collar open. Hands in his p

evil. And she had ju

lse th

her slowly, eac

his isn't a fairy tale, Isla. You're not Cinderella.

ok. "Then why

es dar

don't lik

To guide it. He placed the pen between

y, "or I erase your fathe

p at him, br

really

done w

d. Should've fought.

didn't exi

oman sold to a man who didn't

ngers

si

o the paper like a bla

ontract, folded it once, and sl

ared a

" she aske

tur

his shoulder, "you w

ait for her

llowed

e was nowher