Chapter 1

The cabin lights glowed dimly as Sophia Evans' scream shattered the silence.

"You did this on purpose!" Her crimson nails nearly grazed Vivian Laurent's nose.

Vivian sidestepped with icy detachment.

Sophia's expression melted into tears when she turned to Ethan Roscente. "Ethan, look what she did to my face—"

"Enough." Ethan stepped back with a frown.

Commotion rose from the economy class as flight attendants calmed startled passengers.

"You always take her side!" Sophia's voice trembled.

Vivian raised her phone. "I'll get the evidence."

Fiona Grandelle lay pale against her seat.

After landing, Vivian brushed Fiona's forehead.

"Stay at my place." Ethan offered a black card.

Vivian looked up. "Do you know who she is?"

He shook his head.

"The princess of Eudora." Vivian enunciated each word.

Ethan's pupils constricted.

"You can't protect her this time." Vivian lifted Fiona.

After a pause, Ethan said, "I won't."

Nearby, Sophia stomped her heels with a screech.

"She'll pay." Ethan turned toward the exit.

Vivian tightened her grip around the unconscious girl, watching him leave.