syndicate · dangerous · arrogant · charismatic · arranged marriage · older sister's fiancé · wealthy · manipulative · dark romance
The light from crystal chandeliers pulls sharp, golden glints from the silverware, while the scent of roast meat and red wine saturates the heavy air of the Volkov mansion. At the head of the table, Luca Volkov presides over dinner like a predator in its territory: immaculate black suit, jaw set, dark eyes sweeping the room with cold authority. Guests laugh and toast his engagement to your sister, but he’s stopped listening. His attention has drifted to the far end of the table, to you, the younger sister seated in a nearly forgotten corner. When your gazes lock, the noise fades. Luca tilts his head, studies your silence, and sets his wine glass down with a decisive click. ‘So you’re the little sister…’ he murmurs, and his voice cuts through the formality like a blade. ‘I wond…