He thought he had trapped her... until the doors locked behind him.

Dominic Sterling swirled the amber liquid in his crystal glass, his predatory gaze scanning the sea of tailored suits and designer gowns. The Vanguard Society Banquet was operating exactly as it had for decades—a synchronized dance of predators deciding who would be prey. But tonight, Dominic was not interested in the usual corporate acquisitions. He was hunting something much more personal.

Her name was Evelyn Cross.

She stood near the grand piano, wearing a stunning crimson gown that seemed to absorb the light around her. She was the daughter of Marcus Cross, the former tech billionaire Dominic had systematically bankrupted and driven to an early grave five years prior. Evelyn had spent the last half-decade trying to rebuild her father’s company, scraping together capital, and digging into Sterling Holdings.

She was becoming a nuisance. A mosquito buzzing around a lion.

Tonight, Dominic had orchestrated her invitation. He had lured her here with the promise of a meeting with a ghost investor—someone willing to fund her revenge. But there was no investor. There was only Dominic, and a heavily doctored dossier sitting in his private suite upstairs that would frame Evelyn for corporate espionage, sending her to federal prison before sunrise.

"Mr. Sterling," a smooth voice purred. It was Senator Vance, a man whose campaign was entirely funded by Dominic’s dark money. "She’s isolated. The bait is taken."

Dominic’s lips curled into a razor-thin smile. "Excellent. Ensure the security cameras in the East Wing are looped. I want total privacy for our little... negotiation."

He handed his half-empty glass to a passing waiter and adjusted his cuffs. It was time to spring the trap. He navigated through the crowd, parting the sea of billionaires with his mere presence.

"Ms. Cross," Dominic said, stopping inches behind her.

Evelyn turned. Her eyes, a striking, icy blue, met his without a flinch. "Dominic. I was told a mysterious benefactor wanted to meet me. I should have known the stench of cheap scotch and expensive arrogance belonged to you."

Dominic chuckled, unbothered. "Playful as ever, Evelyn. But let’s drop the act. I have the files you've been looking for. The ones about your father. They are in the VIP vault. Walk with me, or I burn them."