Chapter 1

From Elvira's perspective:

"That's Elvira Lacey, right? The socialite Killian Lacey carefully groomed."

"That man next to her is like ten years older, and I heard he's got an STD. She's still willing to keep him company."

"She's worse than a prostitute!"

At the party my uncle Killian threw, I wore an expensive evening gown, sitting next to the "important client" my uncle arranged for me, eagerly pouring him red wine.

Everyone around me looked at me with contempt and disdain, their insults and mockery endless.

"Oh, Ms. Lacey, you're even more charming than I imagined."

A fat hand landed on my shoulder. Hamilton Johnson's eyes, half-closed from obesity, gleamed with sleaze.

Killian said he was riding high on Maple Avenue thanks to his father-in-law's influence, a notorious pervert, and he hoped I'd use my looks to gain benefits for the family.

I lowered my lashes, picked up my wine glass, and curved my lips into a docile smile. "Mr. Johnson, let's talk business instead."

"No rush." Hamilton's restless hand tried to wrap around my waist.

I shifted slightly, skillfully dodging him.

Hamilton looked displeased, slammed his glass on the table, and complained, "Just a whore, why act so high and mighty!"

I brought my wine glass close to my lips and said casually, "Mr. Johnson, I heard your credit account in Lumaria was frozen last month. Does your wife know about this?"

Before coming, I'd done my research. Hamilton's mistress in Lumaria had maxed out his card, and being the henpecked husband he was, he naturally didn't dare let his wife find out.

Hamilton's movements suddenly froze, and he seemed to sober up considerably. He stared at me in disbelief.

"Mr. Johnson, can we talk business now?" I smiled at him.

Hamilton's face darkened. After struggling with himself reluctantly for a moment, he finally spread his hands in embarrassment. "Bring me the contract."

I'd secured another fifty-million-dollar contract for my uncle. The moment I turned around, I suddenly felt a different kind of gaze.

I looked up.

In the corner near the floor-to-ceiling windows of the ballroom stood a man in a dark gray suit that outlined his tense, muscular frame. Light cast a shadow across his high-bridged nose, and there was a python tattoo on his neck.

The man noticed me looking at him and raised his whiskey glass in greeting.

Though his lips curved in a smile, those unfathomably deep eyes still gave off an inexplicable chill.

I quickly looked away and hurried off.

I recognized this man—Virio Soren, the most powerful and youngest mafia Don in Emerald City.

Rumor had it he'd just brutally suppressed internal family conflicts and spent a month swallowing up dozens of mafia organizations in Emerald City, making a name for himself. Even my uncle was wary of him.

Having attended many parties, I knew the mafia had no humanity to speak of, and I never wanted much contact with them.

Just as I reached the middle of the corridor, two large figures blocked my path—two bodyguards Hamilton had brought.

Sensing trouble, I tried to turn and run, only to come face to face with Hamilton's furious, twisted expression.

The party wasn't even over yet, and he was already eager to settle scores with me. Hamilton was even more despicable and shameless than I'd imagined.

"Filthy whore! You dare threaten me?" He spat at me, reeking of alcohol. "Tonight I'll show you what happens when you cross me!"

With that, he gave a look, and the two men immediately stepped forward, grabbing my arms from both sides.

Hamilton signaled the bodyguards to drag me further away. I struggled hard, my nails scratching one bodyguard's arm, drawing his low curses.

Taking advantage of his distraction, I lifted my foot and kicked the other bodyguard in the crotch. Amid the wailing, I broke free and ran forward.

"Catch her!" Hamilton shouted.

Knowing the consequences of being caught by Hamilton, I ran for my life. But as I ran, my heart suddenly stabbed with pain, and then my whole body went weak and powerless.

Damn medication! It had to kick in now!

Beads of sweat rolled down my forehead. I bit my lip until it bled, trying to stay conscious, stumbling forward as the bodyguards behind me got closer and closer.

Just as I was exhausted, I crashed into a broad, solid chest. Looking up, I found Virio had somehow appeared in front of me.

Like grabbing a lifeline, I clutched his arm and said weakly, "Save me..."

Virio stood there, his body still upright, his eyes coldly sweeping toward the two bodyguards behind me.

Hamilton had caught up by now. Seeing Virio, his face instantly turned pale, his voice trembling, "So—Mr. Soren... I... I didn't know you were also..."

Virio wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me into his embrace, his voice cold. "I'm taking her."

"But... but..." Hamilton was reluctant.

"Is that a problem?" Virio asked softly, the threat in his tone suffocating.

Hamilton looked like he'd been struck by lightning, cold sweat pouring down. With a forced smile, he stammered, "Of course... of course not..."

"Then get lost." Virio's eyes turned sharp.

Hamilton and the two bodyguards immediately scrambled away, not even daring to look back.

With the crisis over, I'd exhausted all my strength. Suddenly, a violent dizziness hit me, and my vision began to blur.

I instinctively tried to steady myself against the wall, but felt a strong arm wrap around my waist. Along with a faint cedar scent, I was lifted horizontally into a warm, solid embrace.

I felt like I was floating on clouds, my body light and weightless, without an ounce of strength.

There was a low, muffled voice in my ear, but I couldn't make it out. I just felt unbearably hot all over.

I twisted my waist uncomfortably and said in a hoarse voice, "Water..."

Then my head was lifted, cool water slid down my throat, and I swallowed greedily. Still unsatisfied after drinking, I reached out blindly, touching a patch of firm, cool skin. It felt so comfortable.

I pressed my face against it and nuzzled, letting out a satisfied moan.

That patch of skin froze for a few seconds, trying to pull away.

I whimpered in displeasure and held on tighter, almost pressing my whole body against it.

In my blurred vision was a vague outline, those deep eyes, those tightly pressed thin lips looked especially attractive.

"Don't go..." I begged in a soft, clingy voice, wrapping my arms around his neck, tilting my head up, scattering scattered, burning kisses on his jaw and neck.

His muscles tensed, and his breathing grew heavier.

"Elvira, wake up." He called my name with suppressed warning.

But I couldn't listen. The drug had ignited my body, and I felt unbearably hot all over.