Chapter 3: The Betrayal Announcement

Alexander did not take Scarlett out through the back door like a shameful secret. He guided her wheelchair straight through the center of the ballroom, past guests who stepped aside as if a king were passing.

Scarlett's heart pounded. She had dreamed of leaving the Whitmore estate a thousand times, but in those dreams she had always been walking. Tonight, she left seated, trembling, and strangely powerful.

At the entrance, Ethan finally moved. 'Scarlett, wait.'

Alexander stopped but did not turn.

Ethan approached with guilt written across his handsome face. Once, Scarlett had loved that face. Once, she had imagined a future with him, children with his blue eyes, summers in the Hamptons, ordinary happiness. Then the accident happened, and his visits became shorter. His calls became rarer. His affection turned into pity.

'I was going to tell you privately,' Ethan said.

Scarlett's stomach sank. 'Tell me what?'

Victoria appeared behind him, wearing a diamond ring Scarlett recognized instantly. It had belonged to Scarlett's mother.

The room became too bright. Too loud. Too cruel.

'Ethan and I are engaged,' Victoria said. 'Father approved it. The Carter merger requires a strong alliance.'

Scarlett felt something inside her collapse, but she refused to let them see it. She looked at Ethan. 'You proposed with my mother's ring?'

Ethan swallowed. 'It was not my decision.'

Alexander finally turned. 'Weak men always say that.'

Victoria's cheeks flushed. 'This has nothing to do with you.'

'Everything concerning Scarlett Whitmore has to do with me now,' Alexander replied.

Then, in front of New York's elite, he removed his black gloves and offered Scarlett his hand.

'Miss Whitmore,' he said, 'allow me to escort you away from people unworthy of your tears.'

Scarlett placed her hand in his. His grip was warm, firm, and steady. Behind her, the family that had discarded her watched helplessly as the Godfather chose her before them all.