Chapter 1: Betrayal at Midnight
The air was thick with the scent of expensive perfume and aged whiskey, a telltale sign of the extravagant engagement party thrown in the Bennett family's grand estate. Glittering chandeliers cast a golden glow over the marble floors, and the soft hum of classical music created the illusion of sophistication. Guests in designer gowns and tailored suits raised their crystal glasses in celebration, completely unaware of the scandal brewing beneath their noses.
Sophia Bennett stood at the top of the grand staircase, her heart pounding in her chest. Her hand clutched the railing, the cool metal grounding her as she took in the sight before her.
There, in the private lounge meant only for close family, her fiancé—no, her supposed soulmate—Liam Harrington, had his arms wrapped around another woman.
But not just any woman.
Claire Monroe.
Her best friend.
The very woman who had helped her pick out her engagement dress. The woman who had sworn to be her maid of honor. The woman who had smiled in her face while secretly stabbing her in the back.
Sophia felt the world tilt beneath her feet. Her chest constricted, the sharp sting of betrayal slicing through her like a blade. The words they were exchanging reached her ears, each syllable chipping away at the last remnants of the love she had for Liam.
"She's so naive," Claire purred, her manicured fingers trailing down Liam's chest. "She actually believes you love her."
Liam chuckled, pulling Claire closer. "Sophia was always just a stepping stone. The Bennett family's wealth and connections were useful, but let's be honest—she's nothing compared to you."
A cruel smirk curled on Claire's lips. "And once you marry her and secure the Bennett fortune, we can finally get rid of her. Quietly."
Sophia's breath hitched. The betrayal wasn't just personal—it was calculated. Cold. Merciless.
She had been nothing more than a pawn in their twisted little game.
A hot surge of fury coursed through her veins, burning away the heartbreak. The woman she had been mere moments ago—hopeful, trusting, ready to dedicate her life to a man who had never truly loved her—ceased to exist.
The next moment, the room fell silent as Sophia descended the stairs.
Her heels clicked against the polished marble, echoing in the grand hall. Every guest turned to look, sensing the sudden shift in atmosphere. The smile she had worn earlier was gone, replaced by something sharper, deadlier.
Liam and Claire froze as she approached.
For the first time, Sophia saw Liam for what he truly was—a pathetic, spineless man who had leached off her family's influence. And Claire? A snake disguised as a friend.
She reached them just as Liam stammered, "S-Sophia, this isn't what it looks like—"
A loud slap cut through the air.
Gasps rippled through the room as Liam stumbled back, clutching his cheek in shock. Red blossomed across his pale skin, a perfect imprint of Sophia's hand.
"I heard everything," she said, her voice calm but laced with venom. "You think you can betray me and get away with it?"
Claire sneered. "Oh, please. You're just upset because you lost."
Sophia turned to her, stepping close enough for their faces to be inches apart. "Lost? Sweetheart, I was never playing your game. You think I need Liam? That I need my family's money?" She let out a soft laugh, one that sent shivers down Claire's spine. "You have no idea what I'm capable of."
A slow clap echoed from the entrance of the ballroom.
All heads turned as a tall figure strode into the hall, his presence commanding attention. His perfectly tailored black suit clung to his broad shoulders, his chiseled jaw sharp enough to cut glass. But it was his eyes—cold, calculating, and utterly unreadable—that sent a shiver down Sophia's spine.
Alexander Sinclair.
The most powerful businessman in the country. A man whispered about in elite circles, feared by his enemies, and desired by every woman with a pulse.
He stopped before Sophia, sliding one hand into his pocket while the other held a champagne flute he had no intention of drinking. His gaze flicked to Liam, then to Claire, a flicker of amusement dancing in his midnight-blue eyes.
"Interesting," he murmured. "I came here expecting to witness an engagement announcement, but instead, I find a scandal. And a rather entertaining one at that."
Sophia lifted her chin, refusing to be intimidated. "And what does that have to do with you, Mr. Sinclair?"
A slow smirk played on his lips. "Everything."
She frowned. "Excuse me?"
Alexander stepped closer, his voice dropping to a murmur only she could hear. "You want revenge, don't you?"
The question sent a jolt through her. He saw right through her composed exterior, right into the storm raging beneath her skin.
"I don't need anyone's help," she countered.
He chuckled, tilting his head slightly. "Oh, but you do. You see, I need a wife, Miss Bennett. And you—well, you need to destroy them." His gaze flicked to Liam, then to Claire, a flicker of amusement dancing in his midnight-blue eyes.
"Interesting," he murmured. "I came here expecting to witness an engagement announcement, but instead, I find a scandal. And a rather entertaining one at that."
Sophia lifted her chin, refusing to be intimidated. "And what does that have to do with you, Mr. Sinclair?"
A slow smirk played on his lips. "Everything."
She frowned. "Excuse me?"
Alexander stepped closer, his voice dropping to a murmur only she could hear. "You want revenge, don't you?"
The question sent a jolt through her. He saw right through her composed exterior, right into the storm raging beneath her skin.
"I don't need anyone's help," she countered.
He chuckled, tilting his head slightly. "Oh, but you do. You see, I need a wife, Miss Bennett. And you—well, you need to destroy them." His gaze flicked toward Liam and Claire. "Lucky for you, I happen to be very good at ruining people."
Sophia inhaled sharply.
A proposal. Not one of love, but of power.
A marriage that would send shockwaves through high society. A union that would turn her from a broken-hearted heiress into a woman capable of bringing her enemies to their knees.
She had two choices: walk away and let Liam and Claire think they had won, or take Alexander's hand and become something far more dangerous than they ever imagined.
A slow, dangerous smile curved her lips.
"Tell me more."