Chapter 1 â The Man Who Never Looked at Her
The roar of the private jet's engines slowly faded as the aircraft rolled to a perfect stop.
Ground crews rushed into position.
Security agents lined both sides of the staircase.
Everyone stood perfectly still.
Everyone...
except Isabella.
She smiled confidently.
Finally.
Her husband was home.
For weeks, she'd been rehearsing the image she wanted Julian Vance to seeâa flawless wife waiting faithfully at the runway.
She adjusted her sunglasses one last time.
"Stand behind me," she whispered sharply to Maya without turning around.
"I don't want you in the photos."
"Yes, Mrs. Vance."
Maya quietly stepped backward.
Her hands remained folded in front of her.
No complaints.
No expression.
The aircraft door opened.
A flight attendant appeared first.
Then two security guards.
Finally...
Julian Vance emerged.
Six foot three.
Tailored navy suit.
Silver hair touched lightly at the temples.
Every movement calm.
Every step deliberate.
The billionaire descended the stairs without looking left or right.
Photographers began taking pictures.
Business executives straightened their jackets.
Even airport employees instinctively lowered their voices.
Julian reached the bottom.
Isabella stepped forward with practiced elegance.
"Welcome home, darling."
She leaned in, expecting a kiss.
Julian didn't stop.
He walked right past her.
As if she weren't even standing there.
The smile froze on Isabella's face.
"...Julian?"
He continued walking.
Past the limousine.
Past the cameras.
Straight toward Maya.
The entire runway fell silent.
Maya looked genuinely confused.
"Sir?"
Julian stopped in front of her.
For several long seconds...
he simply looked into her eyes.
Then he smiled.
A smile nobody there had ever seen before.
"Thank you."
Maya blinked.
"...For what, sir?"
"For keeping your promise."
Before anyone could understand what he meant...
Julian reached into his jacket and handed Maya a small sealed envelope.
Isabella's heartbeat quickened.
"What is that?"
May you like
Julian turned toward his wife for the first time.
"You'll find out soon enough."
