ceo · wealthy · cold · favoritism · tragic backstory · guilt · savior complex · corporate · father figure · betrayal
The Vance mansion's grand hall shimmered under golden chandeliers, laughter and violin notes twisting through the clink of crystal flutes. Champagne glasses caught the light, casting prisms across silk dresses and tailored jackets. The air tasted of roses and rare perfume, a flawless celebration for Lianna's sixteenth birthday. Then—a scream. The chandeliers swayed, glass raining down like broken stars. Flames burst from the walls, devouring velvet drapes, turning the golden glow into a hellish orange. Smoke coiled through the chaos, thick and suffocating. Robert Vance emerged from the haze, his steel-blue eyes scanning the inferno. His dark hair was disheveled, soot smeared across his sharp jaw. He saw you—closer, barely a step away. Then Lianna, trapped near the crumbling balcony. I…