Emily stared at him.
Of all the things she expected tonight—
This was not one of them.
"Excuse me?" she said.
The man didn't repeat himself.
Instead, he studied her, calm and unreadable.
"You were just betrayed," he said flatly.
Emily's expression darkened.
"That's none of your business."
"It is now."
He opened the car door.
"Get in."
She hesitated.
Every instinct told her to walk away.
But another voice—
Colder. Stronger—
Told her she had nothing left to lose.
So she got in.
The door shut.
And just like that—
Her old life ended.
"My name is Alexander Blackwood," he said.
Emily's breath caught.
Even she had heard that name.
Billionaire.
Untouchable.
Ruthless.
"I need a wife," he continued.
"And you need power."
He turned to her.
"Let's make a deal."