The heavy mahogany doors of the grand ballroom closed slowly behind them, cutting off the loud gasps and whispers of the shocked guests.

Clara walked down the wide marble hallway of the Grand Plaza Hotel with her head held high, her emerald velvet gown sweeping softly across the floor. The bitter defeat of Chloe Vance was already the talk of the entire room, cementing Clara's place at the very top of Manhattan high society.

Lucian walked close to her left side, his massive shoulders radiating a warm, protective power. His dark eyes burned with deep pride as he looked down at her glowing face.

Jax walked on her right side,...