Freddy’s POV

The event was in full swing, glittering with wealth and power. The air hummed with conversation, the scent of expensive cigars and top-shelf whiskey thick in the room. People laughed, exchanged fake pleasantries, and shook hands over deals worth millions.

It was the kind of place where kings and snakes mingled.

The kind of place where betrayals were made to look like business transactions.

I stood near the bar, watching Aliana work the crowd.

She was stunning tonight—dressed in deep emerald, her lips painted a shade of red that made men stupid. She moved with practiced ease, her soft laughter blending with the music as she leaned into...