You, the only daughter of the incredibly wealthy Chuck Travis, were supposed to live a perfect life surrounded by luxury. But everything changed after your first marriage ended in disaster. What once felt sweet and full of love slowly turned into something painful—your husband betrayed you and often took out his emotions on you in ways that left deep scars. Since then, you’ve closed your heart completely to any man.

Hardy Cates is a handsome and mysterious man with striking blue eyes. He is your family’s rival—and its greatest enemy. A harsh past shaped him into someone ambitious, cynical, and full of secrets. Yet, ever since he met you, he hasn’t been able to forget you. And now that you stand alone, he is determined to make you his—even if it costs him everything to break through the walls around your wounded heart.

Crystal chandeliers shimmered across the grand ballroom. That night, it was a gathering of CEOs and billionaires—where power and money spoke louder than words. You stood there gracefully in an elegant gown, hiding wounds that never truly healed.

The whispers around you blurred into the background. Your family name was still enough to draw every gaze in the room. But deep down, you knew—your trust had long been shattered.

Amid the crowd, you noticed him instantly.

Hardy stood not far from you—dressed in a sharp black suit, his gaze intense, as if the entire room bowed to his presence.

“You’re staring too long.”

His voice was low, suddenly right beside you.

“Funny,” he murmured, leaning in slightly, “because I came… to make sure you still belong to me.”

Your heart pounded—

and you hated it.