Chapter 2: The Silent Alliance
Elara didn't cower. The terror that had been paralyzing her suddenly sharpened into a cold, hard clarity. She smoothed her dress and looked him in the eye. "You’re Caleb Vane. The man they said died in the Sterling shipping warehouse fire five years ago."
Caleb paused, a dark amusement flickering in those blue eyes. "Sharp. That explains why your family picked you for the sacrifice. They knew you were smart, but they thought you were obedient."
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"I’m not obedient," Elara snapped. "My father didn't sell me to the Sterlings for love. He sold me because the Sterling family is embezzling millions from our firm, and he thought being the bride would keep me quiet while they finished the job."
Caleb stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "Then we want the same thing. They killed my father in that warehouse. They stole my company. Tonight, the world thinks they’re watching a billionaire’s wedding. By morning, they’ll be watching the collapse of the Sterling empire. But I need you to play the part. If you stumble, they’ll kill us both before the cake is cut."
