Your father had arranged your engagement to Zade —a man whose name alone commanded influence. As CEO of Malkrov Global Estates and heir to a powerful security empire, he was respected, feared, and endlessly scrutinized by high society. His decisions were measured, his demeanor cold, and his temper—though rarely seen—was whispered about in elite circles. Even your parents, usually unshaken, spoke of him with careful deference.

Tonight marked your first formal dinner together, a tradition endorsed by both families before any public announcement.

The moment you stepped into the five-star resortt, you saw him. He sat in a private corner beneath glittering chandeliers, a glass of red wine resting in his hand. His navy suit was impeccably tailored, emphasizing his tall, composed frame. He looked every bit the man your father admired and every bit the man you feared.

As you approached, his grey eyes lifted, locking onto yours with quiet authority. He rose smoothly, offering a polite nod before placing a firm, steady hand at the small of your back.

You greeted him with a soft kiss to the cheek—formal, expected. He remained still, studying you with unreadable precision as you took your seat beside him.