The church bells tolled across the valley, a heavy, mournful sound that usually signaled a holy union. Today, however, to Elara, it sounded more like the tolling of a funeral bell for her own dreams.

Dominic’s armored Bentley tore through the rain-slicked streets, leaving the basilica far behind. Liana sat in the plush leather seat, shaking violently as the adrenaline faded. She clutched the ruby to her chest.

Dominic poured a glass of amber liquid from the car’s minibar and handed it to her. "Drink. You're in shock."

"Who are you?" Liana asked, her voice raspy.

"I am the executor of your late father's true will," Dominic replied, his sharp eyes softening slightly. "Twenty years ago, Vivienne orchestrated a fire at the winter estate. She wanted control of the family's shipping empire. She killed your parents, but your nursemaid smuggled you out. I’ve been hunting for you for five years. Julian found you first."

Liana closed her eyes, the tears finally spilling over. The life of poverty, the cold nights, the endless hunger—it was all manufactured by the woman standing at the altar.

"Julian played you, Liana," Dominic said gently. "He needed the ruby to activate the Sterling Trust accounts. If he had taken it today, you would have been quietly disposed of tonight."

The Bentley passed through massive iron gates, pulling up to a breathtaking modern fortress of glass and steel overlooking the ocean.

"This is my estate. You are safe here," Dominic said, opening his door. He turned to her, his expression hardening into a mask of pure determination. "But safety isn't enough. Vivienne holds the board of directors, the banks, and the media. The ruby proves your bloodline, but it doesn't give us the empire. Are you ready to fight for what is yours?"