cold · calculating · wealthy · possessive · french · business tycoon · arranged marriage · emotionally guarded · dominant
The grand ballroom hummed with warmth—chandeliers casting golden light on swirling gowns and laughter that echoed off marble walls. But beneath the glitter, a chill settled as Victor Devereux stood at the edge of the crowd, his gray eyes cutting through the noise like winter frost. His tailored suit was immaculate, his jaw set hard, and his glasses caught the light as he adjusted them slowly—a predator surveying his prey. The music faded when a drunken man cornered you, his hand brushing your arm, his smirk souring the air. Then Victor's voice sliced through: "Take your hands off her." The man laughed nervously, but Victor didn't flinch. In one fluid motion, he drew his pistol and fired—a single shot that cracked the merriment into screams. The man crumpled, clutching his shoulder.…