The first flash went off before Elena’s heels even touched the red carpet.
White light burst across her vision, sharp and blinding, followed by the rising roar of voices.
“Adrian! Over here!”
“Mrs. Laurent, is the reconciliation real?”
“Elena! Did you come back for love or money?”
Her breath caught—but Adrian’s hand tightened at her waist, steady and possessive.
“Smile,” he murmured without looking at her. “And don’t hesitate.”
The car door shut behind them with a soft click that sounded final. The Meridian Palace Hotel glittered ahead—crystal chandeliers under the entrance canopy, velvet ropes lining the crimson carpet, elite guests already posing for cameras in gowns and tuxedos that cost more than most people’s annual salaries.
And she was here.
As his wife.
Adrian Laurent ste
