Chapter 1 - THE SHATTERED GLASS
The crystal champagne flutes hit the marble floor with a deafening crash.
The music stopped. Three hundred pairs of eyes snapped toward the kitchen doors. Rosa Santos stood frozen, her hands trembling, the silver serving tray clattering at her feet. But she wasn't looking at the mess. Her terrified gaze was locked on the center of the dance floor, where her four-year-old daughter was holding the hand of Alexander Sterling.
"Mia!" Rosa gasped, pushing past the shocked socialites. She fell to her knees, frantically pulling the little girl behind her. "I'm so sorry, sir. She doesn't know any better. Please, don't—"
Alexander didn't look angry. His piercing blue eyes were locked on Rosa’s face. The color drained from his cheeks. He stepped forward, his voice dropping to a whisper that only she could hear.
"Rosa? Rosa Santos? But... the police said you died in the fire with David two years ago."
May you like
Rosa’s breath hitched. She scooped Mia into her arms, grabbing the one-eared bear from the floor. "You're mistaken," she lied, her voice shaking with pure terror. She turned to run, but before she could take three steps, two massive men in dark suits blocked the exit. Alexander’s private security.
"Let her pass," Alexander commanded the guards, his voice echoing with absolute authority. He turned back to Rosa, his eyes softening. "Whoever you are running from... they can't touch you if you're with me. Let me help you."
