MARRYING A RUTHLESS BILLIONAIRE

Flash Marriage To My Best Friend's Father

Madel Cerda

I was once the heiress to the Solomon empire, but after it crumbled, I became the "charity case" ward of the wealthy Hyde family. For years, I lived in their shadows, clinging to the promise that Anson Hyde would always be my protector. That promise shattered when Anson walked into the ballroom with Claudine Chapman on his arm. Claudine was the girl who had spent years making my life a living hell, and now Anson was announcing their engagement to the world. The humiliation was instant. Guests sneered at my cheap dress, and a waiter intentionally sloshed champagne over me, knowing I was a nobody. Anson didn't even look my way; he was too busy whispering possessively to his new fiancée. I was a ghost in my own home, watching my protector celebrate with my tormentor. The betrayal burned. I realized I wasn't a ward; I was a pawn Anson had kept on a shelf until he found a better trade. I had no money, no allies, and a legal trust fund that Anson controlled with a flick of his wrist. Fleeing to the library, I stumbled into Dallas Koch—a titan of industry and my best friend’s father. He was a wall of cold, absolute power that even the Hydes feared. "Marry me," I blurted out, desperate to find a shield Anson couldn't climb. Dallas didn't laugh. He pulled out a marriage agreement and a heavy fountain pen. "Sign," he commanded, his voice a low rumble. "But if you walk out that door with me, you never go back." I signed my name, trading my life for the only man dangerous enough to keep me safe.

Romance Revenge Mafia Mafia Queen Revenge

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The blue light from the MacBook screen was the only thing giving color to Kailee Lynn's face. She sat at the vanity of the Presidential Suite in The Plaza, her fingers moving across the keyboard with a speed that contradicted the heavy silence of the room.

Behind her, the lead stylist tugged a section of her hair too hard.

Kailee's head jerked back slightly.

"Oh my god, Ms. Lynn, I am so sorry," the stylist gasped, dropping the comb.

Kailee didn't blink. Her eyes stayed glued to the legal document on her screen-a draft of a non-disclosure agreement so dense it looked like a wall of text.

"Continue," she said. The word was flat.

The suite door suddenly opened.

Chaya walked in, her hand was wrapped around her phone.

The air in the room changed. The makeup artist paused with a brush mid-air, the stylist stopped touching the veil, everyone looked at Chaya.

Kailee stopped typing, swiveled in her chair. Her gaze cut through the room, ignoring the pleasantries.

"Julian isn't here," Kailee said. It wasn't a question.

Chaya swallowed. "His phone goes straight to voicemail. The best man isn't answering, the groomsmen are dark."

The stylist behind Kailee sucked in a breath.

Kailee looked at the clock on the wall.

7:12 PM.

"If this merger doesn't proceed, the SEC's investigation into the family trust accelerates," Kailee said, her voice a low murmur meant only for Chaya. "The asset seizure would begin by market open." She looked at Chaya. "Contact PR. Tell them to prep the contingency statement for a delayed start due to technical difficulties. Do not mention the groom."

Chaya stared at her boss, she nodded.

Kailee stood up, the silk robe she wore slipped down her shoulders. For a second, the heavy concealer on her back was visible-thick, flesh-toned paste covering scars that spoke of a past far removed from art galleries and ballrooms.

A knock at the door.

"Ms. Lynn? The guests are seated, the music loop is ending." It was the wedding planner. Her voice was an octave too high.

Kailee walked to the door and pulled it open.

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