Chapter 1 THE FALL OF A DYNASTY.

The crackling fire did little to warm the cavernous room as Ivana sat stiffly on the velvet armchair, her eyes fixed on her father. His face, once proud and commanding, was now haggard and lined with despair. Papers lay scattered across the mahogany desk, each one a testament to their ruin.

"I've tried everything," Mr. Jonathan whispered, his voice hoarse. "But the investors are merciless. They want their money."

Ivana's heart clenched. She had grown up in luxury, the world bending to her father's will. She had never imagined a day when his name would mean nothing, when power and wealth would slip through their fingers like grains of sand.

"What happens if we can't pay them?" she asked, her voice trembling.

Her father's haunted eyes met hers. "Prison."

The word fell between them like a death knell.

"There must be another way," she insisted. "Another investor. Someone-"

"There's one man," Mr. Jonathan cut her off, his expression darkening. "But on his terms..." He trailed off, unable to continue.

"Who?" Ivana leaned forward, desperation clawing at her chest. "What are his terms?"

Her father hesitated before answering. "Patrick Monroe."

The name sent a chill through her veins. Everyone in the business world knew of Patrick-the ruthless billionaire who built his empire on crushed dreams and broken promises. His wealth was rivaled only by his reputation for cruelty.

"And what does he want?" she whispered.

Her father looked away. "He... he wants you."

Ivana's breath caught in her throat. "Me?"

"To be his wife." Mr. Jonathan's voice cracked. "If I agree, he'll save the company. He'll pay off the debts."

Silence stretched between them. Ivana's mind raced with fear, anger, and confusion. She had heard stories of women sold into loveless marriages, but never had she imagined it would be her fate.

"Father, no," she said firmly. "We'll find another way."

"There is no other way," he said, his eyes filled with sorrow. "If I refuse, I will go to prison. We lose everything."

Tears burned her eyes as she realized the depth of their desperation. The walls of their mansion seemed to close in around her, suffocating her with the weight of inevitability.