Contracted to the Ruthless Billionaire

Chapter 8: The First Public Appearance

The ballroom of the Grand Regency Hotel glittered beneath crystal chandeliers.

The annual Blackwood Foundation Charity Gala had attracted the country's wealthiest business leaders, celebrities, and journalists.

Luxury cars lined the entrance.

Camera flashes lit up the night.

Inside a black limousine, Ava nervously adjusted the silver evening gown Ethan had arranged for her.

"I've never been to a place like this," she admitted.

Ethan straightened the cuff of his tailored black tuxedo.

"Tonight, confidence is more valuable than diamonds."

She looked at him.

"And if I don't have any?"

He finally met her eyes.

"Borrow mine."

The driver opened the door.

The moment Ethan stepped out, reporters surged forward.

"Mr. Blackwood!"

"Over here!"

"Is it true you got married in secret?"

Instead of answering, Ethan turned back toward the car and extended his hand.

Ava hesitated for only a second before placing her hand in his.

Together, they stepped onto the red carpet.

Gasps spread through the crowd.

"That's her."

"So she's Mrs. Blackwood."

"She's even more beautiful than the photos."

Camera flashes exploded from every direction.

Without warning, Ethan wrapped an arm gently around Ava's waist.

She looked up at him in surprise.

"Smile," he whispered.

"They're looking for weakness."

Ava smiled, though her heart pounded.

Inside the ballroom, elegant music filled the air.

Business executives greeted Ethan with respectful handshakes.

Everyone was eager to meet the mysterious woman who had captured the ruthless billionaire's heart.

Then a voice broke through the crowd.

"Ethan."

Victoria Hart approached in a dazzling red gown, drawing every eye in the room.

She smiled politely at Ethan before turning to Ava.

"I hope you're enjoying your first gala, Mrs. Blackwood."

"I am. Thank you."

Victoria's smile sharpened.

"Good. Because this world isn't as kind as it looks."

Before Ava could reply, the host walked onto the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he announced, "please welcome Mr. Ethan Blackwood and his wife for the opening dance."

The entire ballroom fell silent.

Ava's eyes widened.

She turned to Ethan.

"I don't know how to dance."

He offered his hand.

"Then trust me."

As the orchestra began to play, Ethan led her onto the polished dance floor.

Hundreds of eyes followed them.

Neither of them noticed a man standing on the balcony above, quietly raising a camera with a long lens.

He wasn't interested in the dance.

He was waiting for the perfect moment to strike.