I proposed to Luca Vittori three times. He refused me three times. Later, when he was set to become engaged to the Russell heiress, all of Cranwell's upper crust watched to see if I'd crack. Luca still held me and soothed me like always. "Elena, the engagement is just a family alliance. Once I secure my place as the Vittori heir, I'll make things right." But I couldn't wait. Moretti Shipping's cash flow had dried up. Three cargo ships were detained at the port, and my father was under federal investigation over a shipment that had been tampered with. The largest claims and control of the docks had all fallen into Damian Vittori's hands. And he had only one condition: to become a member of the Vittori family. The last time I asked Luca to marry me, his face finally darkened. "Elena, do you really have to corner me like this?" Fine. I backed off. That night, I slid into Damian's armored Bentley in the underground garage. The instant the door closed, he loosened his tie, pulled me onto his lap, pressed a pre-nup between my knees, and slowly slid his other hand up the hem of my skirt. "I told you long ago. That nephew of mine could never give you anything." He murmured against my ear, his voice low like the final click of a gun being cocked. "Now, the Moretti family belongs to you. You... belong to me."