The private elevator doors slid open with a soft chime. The massive penthouse spread out before them, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a sweeping view of Central Park.

Angelo took his jacket from Elba's shoulders and tossed it to the waiting butler. He pointed a long finger toward a sunlit room down the hall. "You sleep in there from now on."

Elba dragged her feet across the hardwood floor. She walked into the room and collapsed face-first onto the massive, plush mattress.

Wow, the stench of capitalist decay, she thought, burying her face in the pillows. This is ten thousand times better than that dark attic at the estate.

Angelo was pouring a glass of whiskey at the living room bar. He paused, the amber liquid splashing against the crystal. His grip on the bottle tightened as anger toward his parents and Georgina flared in his chest.

His private cell phone rang on the marble counter. The screen flashed the name Walter Chandler.

Angelo picked it up and tapped the speaker button. He took a sip of whiskey.

"Angelo, please tell me you're coming tonight," Walter's anxious voice filled the room. "It's Kacey's coming-of-age dinner. I need you there."

Elba slipped out of her room barefoot. She crouched behind the large velvet sofa, peeking over the top.

"Kacey is getting frozen out by the socialites," Walter pleaded. "I need a heavy hitter to show up and back her."

Angelo frowned. He hated these superficial social events. He opened his mouth to say no.

Elba shoved a pink macaron into her mouth.

Poor Kacey, Elba thought, chewing rapidly. Tonight she's going to get bullied by those green tea bitches, and her fiancé is a literal psychopath who beats women!

The word "No" died in Angelo's throat.

That abusive monster is going to beat her to death, Elba continued in her mind. Then he'll swallow the Chandler family assets, and Walter will be forced to jump off a bridge.

Angelo's eyes turned lethal. This wasn't just about a friend's life; it was about the survival of a crucial business ally.

He leaned closer to the phone. "Fine. I'll be there on time."

Walter let out a loud sigh of relief, thanking him repeatedly before hanging up.

Angelo set the glass down. He walked slowly around the sofa and looked down. Elba was crouching on the rug, her cheeks stuffed with food.

Elba jumped. Macaron crumbs fell onto her shirt.

I'm dead, she panicked. He caught me eavesdropping. He's going to throw me out on the street!

Angelo looked at her wide, terrified eyes. He fought the urge to smile. "Go change your clothes," he commanded coldly.

Elba blinked. "Change into what?"

Angelo pointed toward the massive walk-in closet down the hall. "An evening gown. You are coming with me tonight."

Elba shook her head violently.

I am not going! she yelled in her head. That place is Georgina's home turf. If I go, I'm just a stepping stone for her to look good!

Angelo took a step forward. He placed both hands on the back of the sofa, leaning over her, casting her in his shadow. "That was an order, Elba. Not a request."

Elba felt the weight of his authority crush her resistance. She pouted, dragging herself up from the floor, and walked to the closet.

She pushed the doors open. Rows of the latest haute couture gowns hung perfectly arranged. As she approached, she recalled hearing Angelo's brisk command to his assistant just minutes ago over the phone to have a selection of designer pieces rushed over. She checked the tags. Every single one was her exact size, fresh from the boutique.

She ran her fingers over the silk.

When did he prepare all this? she wondered. Was he planning to lock me up as a pet canary?

In the living room, Angelo rubbed his temples. Her thought process was exhausting.

Thirty minutes later, Elba walked out. She wore a midnight-blue gown that shimmered like a starry sky. It fit her perfectly.

Angelo's breath hitched. He picked up a diamond necklace from the counter. He walked up behind her, the heat of his chest brushing her bare back, and fastened the clasp.

"Tonight," he whispered near her ear, "you stay right beside me."

The fleet of black Maybachs pulled up to the entrance of the St. Regis Hotel. Camera flashes erupted like a strobe light show.

Angelo stepped out first. His long legs hit the pavement, his presence instantly dominating the space. He turned and offered his hand.

Elba placed her hand in his. She stepped out in her midnight-blue gown.

Gasps rippled through the crowd of reporters and guests. Whispers hissed through the air. Isn't that the fake daughter they kicked out? Why is Angelo bringing her?

The camera flashes blinded Elba. She instinctively shrank back, trying to hide behind Angelo's broad shoulders.

Angelo reached back and grabbed her wrist. He pulled her firmly to his side. He leaned down, his lips brushing her hair. "Head up. Shoulders back. No one in the Potter family looks down."

Elba took a deep breath. She forced her spine straight, lifted her chin, and hooked her arm through his. They walked into the grand ballroom together.

The room was dripping in crystal and gold. But in the far corner lounge, the atmosphere was toxic.

Kacey Chandler stood surrounded by a group of women in revealing dresses.

The lead socialite tilted her glass, intentionally spilling red wine all over Kacey's skirt. She covered her mouth in mock horror. "Oh my! I am so sorry. But I guess this out-of-season dress can just be washed, right?"

Kacey's eyes filled with tears. She gripped the ruined fabric, her shoulders shaking, too scared to fight back.

Elba saw it from across the room. Her stomach twisted with anger.

These snobs! Elba cursed internally. They just know the Chandler family has cash flow problems right now. Kicking her while she's down!

Angelo heard her. His eyes narrowed. He abruptly changed his path, steering Elba away from the VIP section and straight toward the corner.

The socialites were laughing loudly. They didn't notice the grim reaper approaching.

Angelo stopped right behind them. His voice cut through the air like a blade. "It seems the Chandler family's wine isn't to your liking?"

The women spun around. When they saw Angelo Potter's face, all the color drained from their cheeks. Their arrogant smiles vanished instantly.

Angelo reached out and took a full glass of red wine from a passing waiter's tray. He shoved it into the lead socialite's hand.

"Drink it," Angelo ordered softly. "Or tomorrow morning, your father will bring his bankruptcy petition to my office."

The woman trembled violently. She raised the glass and chugged the wine, spilling it down her chin. She didn't dare wipe it away.

Angelo didn't look at her again. He turned to Kacey, his tone softening. "Kacey, Walter is looking for you. Go change your dress."

Kacey looked at him with pure gratitude. She gathered her ruined skirt and hurried away.

The surrounding guests watched in stunned silence. The message was clear: the Chandlers were under Potter protection.

Elba watched, her heart racing with adrenaline.

My brother is so badass! she cheered in her mind. Ten out of ten for that power move! If only he wouldn't use that power to destroy me later.

Angelo heard the last part. He let out a quiet sigh. He raised his hand, wanting to pat her head to reassure her.

Suddenly, the ballroom lights dimmed. A spotlight hit the main stage. Walter tapped the microphone to give his speech.

Angelo turned his head toward the stage out of habit.

Elba seized the moment. She slipped her arm out of his and slid backward into the dark crowd, moving like a ghost.

Time to run, she thought, slipping away. I'm going to find a quiet corner, eat some cake, and see what that abusive fiancé looks like.

The speech ended. The lights flared back on.

Angelo turned around. The space next to him was empty. Elba was gone.

His face darkened instantly. The temperature around him seemed to plummet.

He snapped his fingers. Three massive bodyguards materialized beside him.

"Lock down every exit," Angelo growled through clenched teeth. "Find her. Now."

Elba stood in the shadows of the second-floor balcony. She leaned against a thick Roman column, holding a small plate of cake, watching the crowded ballroom below.

The heavy glass door to the balcony suddenly pushed open.

A man walked in. He held a whiskey glass. His eyes were bloodshot and his gaze was sleazy. It was Zev Kagan.

Zev spotted Elba in the corner. A disgusting smirk spread across his face. He walked straight toward her.

Elba dropped her fork onto the plate. She took a step back, her back hitting the cold stone railing. She glared at him.

Zev stopped inches away. "Well, well. If it isn't the Potter family's discarded trash. Why are you hiding up here all alone?"

He reached out, trying to stroke her cheek.

Elba slapped his hand away hard.

Who is this pig? she thought, her stomach churning with disgust. He looks like a swollen dumpling. Don't touch me!

Down on the first floor, Angelo was pushing through the crowd. Elba's voice exploded in his head.

He whipped his head up toward the second-floor balcony. He shoved past a group of businessmen and sprinted up the grand staircase.

On the balcony, Zev's face turned red with anger. He stepped forward, trapping Elba against the railing.

"Playing hard to get?" Zev sneered. "You're nothing now. Sleep with me tonight, and I'll give you some pocket change."

Elba's heart pounded against her ribs. She stared at his face, her brain digging through her past life's memories.

Suddenly, a newspaper clipping flashed in her mind.

Holy shit! she screamed internally. I remember! This is Zev Kagan! The psycho who beats Kacey until her internal organs rupture!

Angelo was running down the second-floor hallway. When he heard those words, the last thread of his sanity snapped. Pure, unadulterated killing intent flooded his veins.

Zev reached out, his thick fingers grabbing the delicate strap of Elba's gown.

Before he could pull it, a deafening crash shattered the night.

Angelo didn't slow down. He slammed his broad shoulder into the heavy glass door, forcing the metal lock to break with a deafening crack. The door flew open, hitting the stone wall with a massive crash.

He charged through the frame like a demon. He grabbed the back of Zev's collar and yanked him backward with brutal force.

Zev flew back. Before he could process what was happening, Angelo's fist slammed into his face.

The sound of breaking bone echoed on the balcony. Blood sprayed from Zev's nose. He screamed, crashing into a cocktail table and collapsing onto the floor.

Angelo didn't stop. He stepped forward and planted his expensive leather shoe hard onto Zev's chest, pinning him down. He stared down at the bleeding man with eyes completely devoid of mercy.

Elba pressed herself against the railing, her chest heaving.

He's a beast! she thought in shock. Wait, how did he know I was up here?

Angelo took a deep, ragged breath, forcing his heart rate to slow. He looked over at Elba, his eyes scanning her body to make sure she was untouched.

He looked back down at Zev. "Touch her again, and you lose the hand."

Walter and two security guards rushed onto the balcony, crunching over the broken glass. They gasped at the bloody scene.

Angelo pointed at the groaning Zev. He looked at Walter. "This is the man you chose for Kacey? Cancel the engagement. Immediately."

Walter stared at Zev's bloody face. He didn't ask questions. He trusted Angelo completely. He nodded sharply.

Angelo waved a hand. "Throw him out."

The guards dragged Zev away by his arms.

Angelo walked over to Elba. He took off his suit jacket again and wrapped it around her trembling shoulders.

Elba looked up at him. Her eyes grew hot with unshed tears. Her chest felt tight, but this time, it wasn't from fear.

He's a beast... a terrifying beast, she thought softly, her mind still reeling. But... he aimed all that violence at someone else, just for me. My chest is tight, but for the first time, it's not from fear of him. Being protected... it feels... strangely safe.

The anger drained out of Angelo's body the second he heard her soft thought. He reached out, pulling her firmly into his chest.

"I caught you," he whispered into her hair. "Don't run away again."