CLAIMED BY THE BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 11: The First Attempt

The rain continued long after midnight.

Thunder rolled across the sky, shaking the windows of Blackwood Mansion.

Ava lay awake, staring at the ceiling.

She couldn't stop thinking about Richard's warning.

"The people who killed your father have started moving again."

Killed.

Not died.

Killed.

Every answer she found only created more questions.

Sleep refused to come.

Finally, she got out of bed and walked toward the kitchen for a glass of water.

The mansion was unusually quiet.

Even the security guards seemed fewer than usual.

As she walked past the grand staircase, she noticed movement outside.

A black car was parked beyond the front gate.

Its headlights were off.

Someone was watching the mansion.

Ava frowned.

"Who could that be?"

Before she could look closer, the car slowly drove away into the darkness.

---

The next morning...

The mansion buzzed with activity.

Servants rushed through the hallways carrying decorations.

Fresh flowers were placed everywhere.

Ava stopped one of the maids.

"What's going on?"

"The Blackwood Charity Gala is tonight, Mrs. Blackwood."

"The entire business community will attend."

Another maid smiled.

"You'll be making your first public appearance as Mrs. Ethan Blackwood."

Ava's stomach tightened.

She had never attended such an event before.

---

Later...

A famous fashion designer arrived with several assistants.

Dozens of elegant gowns were displayed across Ava's bedroom.

The designer smiled.

"Mr. Blackwood personally selected these."

Ava looked at the dresses.

They were breathtaking.

One red.

One emerald green.

One royal blue.

And one silver gown covered in tiny crystals.

The designer picked up the silver dress.

"This one."

"It perfectly matches your eyes."

Ava smiled softly.

"It's beautiful."

"It was Mr. Blackwood's favorite."

For reasons she couldn't explain...

That made her smile even more.

---

Across town...

Victoria stood inside her luxury apartment.

She watched a news report about the Blackwood Charity Gala.

"The city's most influential families are expected to attend..."

She switched off the television.

Her expression became cold.

"So..."

"They're appearing together."

She picked up her phone.

"I want everything ready."

A man's voice answered.

"Tonight?"

"Yes."

"No mistakes."

She ended the call.

Then she opened a drawer.

Inside lay a small silver key...

And an old engagement ring.

She stared at it for several seconds before closing the drawer.

"Ethan..."

"If I can't have you..."

"...no one will."

---

Evening arrived.

The entrance to the Grand Imperial Hotel glittered beneath thousands of lights.

Luxury cars lined the street.

Photographers crowded behind security barriers.

Business leaders.

Celebrities.

Politicians.

Everyone had come.

When Ethan's black limousine stopped at the entrance...

Camera flashes exploded everywhere.

The driver opened the door.

Ethan stepped out first.

Dressed in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, he looked calm and confident.

Then he turned.

Holding out his hand.

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

She stepped out wearing the silver gown.

Gasps spread through the crowd.

"Who is she?"

"That's Ethan Blackwood's wife."

"She's stunning."

The photographers shouted.

"Mr. Blackwood!"

"Look this way!"

"One more picture!"

Ethan placed a protective hand around Ava's waist.

"Stay close."

She nodded.

The two walked up the red carpet together.

Inside...

Crystal chandeliers illuminated the massive ballroom.

A live orchestra played softly.

Everything looked like a dream.

Ava whispered,

"I've never seen anything like this."

Ethan smiled faintly.

"You'll get used to it."

"I'm not sure I want to."

For the first time that evening...

He laughed.

A real laugh.

It was quiet.

But genuine.

Ava couldn't help smiling too.

---

Across the ballroom...

Victoria watched them.

Jealousy burned in her eyes.

"They're getting closer."

The mysterious man beside her nodded.

"Should we begin?"

Victoria smiled.

"Yes."

---

Half an hour later...

The host announced the opening dance.

Couples slowly walked onto the polished dance floor.

Ethan looked at Ava.

"May I?"

She smiled nervously.

"I don't know how to dance."

"I'll teach you."

He gently took her hand.

The music began.

At first, Ava stumbled.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't apologize."

He steadied her.

"Just follow me."

Slowly...

Her movements became smoother.

Soon they were gliding effortlessly across the floor.

The guests watched in admiration.

"They look perfect together."

Victoria's nails dug into her palm.

---

Suddenly—

The ballroom lights went out.

Darkness swallowed the room.

Several guests screamed.

Someone shouted,

"What's happening?"

Then—

Bang!

A loud gunshot echoed through the hall.

Panic erupted instantly.

People ran in every direction.

Another shot rang out.

Without hesitation, Ethan pulled Ava behind a marble pillar.

"Stay down!"

"What was that?"

"I don't know."

Security guards rushed through the ballroom.

Guests cried in fear.

Then Ethan noticed something.

A tiny red dot appeared on Ava's shoulder.

His eyes widened.

A sniper's laser sight.

"Ava!"

He threw himself toward her just as another gunshot exploded.

The bullet shattered the marble pillar where Ava had been standing moments earlier.

Fragments of stone flew everywhere.

The ballroom descended into complete chaos.

Ethan shielded Ava with his own body.

"Are you hurt?"

She shook her head, trembling.

"No..."

"I'm okay."

His relief lasted only a second.

Because high above the ballroom...

On a distant rooftop...

A masked sniper calmly loaded another bullet.

Looking through the scope...

The assassin whispered,

"This time..."

"I won't miss."