This was Damian Cross’s first public appearance since the failed wedding.

And the world had not forgotten.

The moment his car rolled to a stop in front of the venue, chaos erupted.

Cameras flashed endlessly. Microphones were shoved forward. Voices overlapped.

“Mr. Cross!” “Is it true you collapsed because of heartbreak?” “Will you take Selene back if she apologizes publicly?” “How could you be with a woman for months and not notice her scheming?”

Damian’s jaw tightened. His face remained unreadable, but Aria felt it, the tension radiating off him like heat.

Before he could respond, the bouncers moved in swiftly, forming a human wall and pushing Damian and Aria...