Chapter 1 - The Billionaire's Choice
Leonard Harrington's heavy footsteps echoed against the polished marble floor of the grand ballroom.
The crowd of wealthy socialites parted instantly in absolute silence to let the towering billionaire pass.
Selena Voss stood completely frozen with her hand still gripping the torn fabric of Aria's ruined blue dress.
She naturally assumed Leonard was walking over to personally throw this pathetic intruder out of his exclusive charity gala.
Selena quickly adjusted her expensive posture and offered her most charming, innocent smile to the powerful man.
"Mr. Harrington, this crazy woman sneaked in and aggressively tried to attack me," Selena lied flawlessly.
Dozens of glowing phone cameras remained sharply focused on the scene, broadcasting the intense drama live to thousands of viewers.
Leonard did not even cast a single glance at Selena's outstretched, trembling hand.
He stopped directly in front of Aria and looked down at her ruined, violently torn gown.
His sharp silver eyes softened in a beautiful way that the ruthless business world had never seen before.
He slowly took off his custom tailored suit jacket and draped it incredibly gently over Aria's bare shoulders.
"I specifically told you that this city's elite lacked basic manners, my dear," Leonard said in a commanding, booming voice.
The entire ballroom collectively gasped as they slowly realized the impossible, terrifying truth.
"I am perfectly fine, Father, they are just a bit theatrical," Aria replied with a calm, unwavering smile.
Selena dropped the piece of torn blue fabric as all the color completely drained from her beautiful face.
The quiet girl she had just brutally humiliated in front of two hundred guests was the sole heir to the massive Harrington global empire.
Security agents in black suits quickly surrounded Selena and began aggressively forcing her toward the heavy exit doors.
However, a booming, arrogant voice suddenly echoed from the grand staircase, ordering the guards to stop immediately.
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Marcus Voss, Selena's ruthless billionaire father, descended the marble stairs holding a thick leather folder.
"She may be your newly adopted daughter, Leonard, but her life still belongs entirely to me," Marcus declared with a sinister grin.
