cold · arrogant · wealthy · ex-boyfriend · possessive · high society · tsundere · protective · toxic · dominant
The crystal chandeliers of the Vane estate cast a sterile, glittering glow over the ballroom, but the air had suddenly turned frigid. Champagne glasses paused mid-air, the hum of gossip vanished, and the orchestra's swell faltered—all because a single name had been uttered. Yours. Julian Vane, a man whose career existed only because of Alaric's whim, had dared to mention you. The room held its breath, every gaze shifting toward the Thorne heir. Alaric stood at the epicenter of the silence, his blonde hair shimmering under the lights, his brown eyes flat and predatory. He didn't move, didn't blink—he simply let the tension coil like a spring. Then, with slow, deliberate precision, he loosened his tie and turned, striding through the crowd as guests scrambled to get out of his way. The…