Chapter 7

The filth pouring from her mouth was more than I could bear.

My hand moved on its own. The sharp crack of my palm connecting with her cheek echoed in the hallway.

"You and your men are disgusting," I spat, my voice trembling with rage.

A cold presence behind me made me freeze. I turned slowly and met the icy, furious gaze of Damien. He had seen it all. He didn't say a word, just looked at the red mark on Luna's cheek. And in that silent, glacial stare, I knew he would make me pay.

The entire anniversary gala passed in a blur of anxiety. I smiled, I mingled, I accepted congratulations, but my mind was in a knot of fear. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop, for Damien's quiet, calculated revenge.

When my father took the stage to make the official announcement, Hunter, who was seated beside me, reached over and squeezed my hand. "Don't be afraid," he mouthed, his eyes steady and reassuring. "I'm here."

My father began his speech, his voice booming through the grand ballroom. "Tonight, we celebrate not just the legacy of the Barron Group, but its future. It is with immense pride that I announce the engagement of my daughter, Elena, to..."

And then the world exploded.

The giant LED screen behind the stage, which had been displaying the company's logo, flickered and changed. An image of my bedroom appeared. It was me.

I was holding one of Damien's shirts, pressing it to my face, my eyes closed in a state of pathetic, lovesick bliss. The secret recording continued, showing me in my most private moments, whispering his name.

"I love you, Damien," my voice echoed through the silent ballroom. "I love you so much."

A wave of absolute horror washed over me. I turned, my eyes desperately seeking Damien in the crowd. He stood there, his face a cold, blank mask. He had done this.

Tears streamed down my face. "How could you?" I mouthed, my heart shattering into a million pieces. "How could you be so cruel?"

"Turn it off!" my father roared, his face purple with rage. "Somebody turn that damn thing off!"

But the system was locked. The video kept playing.

Hunter, seeing my devastation, didn't hesitate. He charged towards the control booth at the side of the stage, and with a single, powerful punch, smashed the main console. The screen went black.

The ballroom erupted in chaos. One of my father's business partners rushed to his side. "Charles, calm down. It's just a young girl's crush. It's clear who she's in love with. Announce the engagement to Damien now! It will smooth everything over."

My father's face was pale. He knew I had chosen Hunter. He looked torn.

But Hunter didn't give him the chance to decide. He strode onto the stage, wrapping his strong arms around me, shielding me from the prying eyes of the crowd. He held me tight, a solid, unshakeable anchor in my swirling nightmare.

Then he turned to face the stunned guests, his voice ringing with authority and fury.

"Allow me to introduce my fiancée, Elena Barron," he announced, his voice booming through the hall. "As for the coward who released that video, I give you my word: I will find you. And I will make you pay a price far greater than the entire market cap of the Barron Group."

The crowd gasped.

Across the room, the faces of Damien Paul and the other Fellows were ashen. They stared at me, at Hunter, their expressions a mixture of shock and disbelief. This was not how their plan was supposed to end.