THE GOLDEN CAGE

The Guest List

The silver engraving on the heavy card stock caught the ambient light of the penthouse office. Elena sat behind the grand mahogany desk, a fine-tipped calligraphy pen balanced between her fingers, staring down at a list that looked more like an international economic summit than a wedding party.

"Ambassadors, three foreign tech magnates, and the entire executive board of the Federal Reserve," Elena murmured, looking up as Alexander stepped into the room holding a pair of crystal tumblers. "Alexander, your family's idea of a 'private affair' is terrifying."

Alexander walked over, setting one of the drinks down near her hand before leaning against the edge of the desk, his long legs crossed at the ankle. He looked down at the list, his sharp features completely unbothered.

"It's tradition," he said smoothly, his deep baritone rich with amusement. "My grandfather believed that a Knight wedding should display the family's strength to our competitors. But as I told the board yesterday, this isn't their marketing campaign. If there is anyone on that list who makes you uncomfortable, strike them through. I don't care if it's the Mayor."

Elena smiled, a soft, genuine warmth blooming in her chest at how fiercely protective he had become. She reached out, her fingers lightly trailing over the cuff of his gray sweater. "I don't mind the power players, Alexander. I'm a designer; I know how to handle a tough room. I’m just looking for one specific name."

Alexander’s eyes narrowed slightly, the playful warmth instantly replacing itself with a sharp, protective focus. "Whose?"

"Marcus," Elena said softly, her voice steady but serious. "His legal team filed a motion this morning to review his bail conditions. They're trying to argue that his actions at my old studio were a temporary psychological break caused by corporate stress. They want him moved to a private medical facility instead of a federal cell."

The air in the office immediately turned freezing cold. Alexander set his glass down with a slow, deliberate click. He leaned forward, his large hands flat on the desk, bringing his face just inches from hers. The ruthless billionaire who had dismantled a corporate empire in a single afternoon was back.

"Marcus isn't going to a medical facility, Elena," Alexander whispered, his voice vibrating with a dark, unshakable finality. "My legal team handles the prosecutors on that case. I’ve personally ensured that every single piece of forensic evidence from his fraudulent audits is sitting on the judge's desk. He bypassed his chance at mercy the moment he stepped into your space with a weapon. He is staying exactly where he can never look at you again."

Elena let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding, the lingering shadow of her past completely evaporating under the sheer weight of his security. She stood up, closing the distance between them, her hands resting flat against his chest.

"You're very bossy when it comes to my safety, Mr. Knight," she teased softly, looking up into his dark eyes.

Alexander’s hands instantly found her waist, pulling her flush against his solid frame. "I’m possessive, Elena," he growled softly, his gaze dipping down to her lips. "There's a difference. Now, give me that pen. Let’s start cutting the board members from this list."