Out of prison
The hall glittered with golden light. Crystal chandeliers dripped from the ceiling like raindrops of fire, scattering warmth over the crowd of dignitaries, family, and friends. Musicians played soft strings in the background while servers carried trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Everyone assumed it was just another of Ares Langford’s grand celebrations—a charity gala, a business success, or perhaps a birthday. No one suspected what was about to unfold.
Ares stood at the center of it all, in a suit that fit him like it had been carved onto his frame. His jaw was set, his dark eyes sharper than ever, but inside, his chest pounded with nerves he hadn’t felt in years. He had faced boardrooms, billion-dollar deals, and competitors who wanted him ruined. But nothing compar
