"I Caught My Fiancé Framing Me for a $50M Federal Crime, So I Made a Deal With the Deadliest Billionaire in New York—And He Demanded Me as Payment!"

The grand atrium of the Metropolitan Museum of Art was packed with the elite of global society. Armed guards flanked the glass cases displaying million-dollar artifacts, while the auctioneer stood at a raised podium at the center of the hall.

Arthur Kensington and Sabrina sat in the front row, looking tense but determined. Beside them, Preston looked gaunt, dark circles under his eyes, desperately scanning the crowd.

"Lot 409," the auctioneer announced, his voice ringing through the hall. "The Marcus Aurelius marble bust, authenticated by Sabbes. Bidding opens at five million dollars."

"Five million," Arthur Kensington raised his paddle immediately, attempting to create artificial momentum and sell the artifact to a pre-arranged offshore buyer.

"Six million," a voice from the back of the room called out.

The room gasped. Heads snapped around.

Alex walked down the center aisle, breathtaking in a backless midnight-blue gown, diamond chandelier earrings catching the light. Beside her, Dante Moretti walked with effortless dominance, his hand clasped firmly around hers.

Preston stood up, knocking his chair back. "You're trespassing! She's under federal investigation!"

"I am the senior appraiser of Sabbes," Alex said, her voice amplified by the dead silence of the room. She held up a certified document stamped with the seal of the International Art Loss Register. "And this piece is stolen property."

Sabrina jumped to her feet, her face contorted with rage. "You lying bitch! Security, arrest her!"

"Sit down, Sabrina," Dante commanded. His voice wasn't loud, but it froze every security guard in their tracks. "Or I will have the Department of Cultural Heritage unveil the wiretaps of your father's phone calls with the Sicilian smuggling ring."

Arthur Kensington turned gray. "You... you have wiretaps?"

"I have everything," Dante said coldly, stepping forward until he stood directly in front of Preston. "Ten million dollars."

The auctioneer blinked, paralyzed. "Mr. Moretti... bid is ten million..."

"Ten million to buy the bust, hand it over to the Italian authorities, and file international trafficking charges against Vance and Kensington Capital," Dante announced to the entire room of investors, reporters, and socialites.

Preston lunged forward, losing all control. "You ruined me! She was mine! You took everything from me!"

Before Preston could take two steps toward Alex, Dante moved with blinding speed. He caught Preston by the throat with one massive hand, lifting him off his feet and slamming him against the marble pillar behind the podium.

The room erupted in screams.

"Listen to me, you pathetic parasite," Dante whispered into Preston’s terrified face, his dark eyes radiating pure death. "You touched her reputation. You tried to steal her life. If you even look in her direction again, I won't send you to prison. I will bury you in the concrete foundation of my next skyscraper. Do you understand me?"

Preston choked, nodding frantically, tears of absolute terror streaming down his cheeks.

Dante dropped him like garbage onto the floor. He adjusted his cufflinks, turned back to Alex, and offered his arm with aristocratic elegance.