Page 167 of Brutal Heir

To witness it firsthand was an honor few could claim.

But why was I here?

Before I could ask, the doors swung open.

A procession of solemn men entered, clad in bespoke suits. One by one, they inclined their heads toward Sebastian, an unspoken deference.

As if bowing before a king.

Sebastian spread his arms. “Gentlemen, welcome.”

I edged my foot back, intending to slip into the shadows.

Sebastian’s arm lashed out, wrapping around my middle, pulling me forward. “Before we get to the viewing, I’d like to introduce you to my fiancée, Sabrina Dolce Badalamenti.”

The room erupted in applause.

At first, I didn’t understand why.

Then his words registered.

No.

I replayed the last moment in my mind.

I’d like to introduce you to my fiancée, Sabrina Dolce Badalamenti.

My fiancée, Sabrina Dolce Badalamenti.

My fiancée.

My body tensed as I flicked my gaze toward the open doorway—now blocked by two guards.

Before I could move another muscle, Sebastian’s hold tightened.

A warning.

A threat.

Blood roared in my ears, drowning out everything but the rapid thud of my own heartbeat.

Sebastian continued speaking, but his voice came from deep underwater—muffled, distorted.

My fiancée.

This wasn’t happening.

It couldn’t be happening.

Men didn’t just declare an engagement without asking the woman first.

Well, normal men didn’t.

But when had Sebastian ever been normal? He existed on a different plane than the rest of us, operating by rules only he understood.

And to think, for a foolish moment, I’d almost seen him as boyfriend material after last night.

How stupid of me.