Chapter 2

I snatched the microphone from the host's hand.

The harsh electrical feedback instantly drowned out the murmuring crowd.

I looked at the sea of people below, my voice cold and clear, every word deliberate:

"Distinguished guests, members of the media, I apologize for interrupting your evening."

"Here and now, I, Summer Lynn, formally announce the dissolution of my engagement to Mr. Ethan Brown. From this moment on, whether he marries or stays single, whoever I marry---we are completely unrelated!"

The moment those words left my mouth, the hall erupted.

Ethan's face turned iron-blue. He strode over, trying to grab my microphone: "Summer! Have you lost your mind? Do you even know what you're saying!"

I dodged to the side, my gaze passing over him to land directly on the man seated at the VIP main table below.

Xavier Holt.

A top business mogul, head of the Holt Financial Group, and Ethan Brown's greatest nemesis in this lifetime.

Today he wore a custom-tailored black suit, lounging lazily against his chair back, playing with a wine glass in his hand. Those deep, narrow eyes watched the farce on stage with an amused, mocking expression.

I lifted my gown and walked down the steps one by one, going straight to Xavier Holt.

Every eye in the hall followed my movement. Even breathing seemed to stop.

I stood before him, looking down at him, a brilliant smile curving my lips.

"Mr. Holt, I hear your grandmother's been pressuring you about marriage lately?"

"How about me? Need a Mrs. Holt?"

Ethan rushed down from the stage, shouting in exasperation: "Summer! Get back here! You're usually such a reasonable person---why are you making a spectacle of yourself today!"

"Of all people, you go to Xavier Holt? You think he'd even look at you!"

I ignored the barking behind me, only staring intently at Xavier Holt.

The air seemed to freeze.

After a long moment, Xavier let out a low laugh, the sound devastatingly seductive.

He set down his wine glass and stood up deliberately.

His six-foot-two frame immediately created an overwhelming sense of presence.

He leaned down slightly, warm breath falling on my ear, his voice low and certain: "Alright."

Then, in front of all the guests, he reached into his suit jacket and pulled out a dazzling blue diamond ring.

It was the "Heart of the Ocean," which had sold for three hundred million at a Sotheby's auction not long ago.

Xavier knelt on one knee, took my hand, and slowly slid the blue diamond onto my ring finger.

"Miss Lynn, I've had this ring prepared for quite some time."

"Now that it's on your finger, I, Xavier Holt, won't be taking it back."