She had waited years to become his wife, but one furious little girl destroyed her perfect plan before the vows were finished.

Two months later, the Federal Courthouse in downtown Boston was swarming with hundreds of journalists, photographers, and television news crews.

Heavy wooden doors swung open, and federal marshals led Victoria Hale down the steps in handcuffs. Her designer bridal dresses and high-society arrogance were gone, replaced by a drab green prison jumpsuit and unkempt hair. Her father followed behind her, his face pale and sunken as news cameras flashed relentlessly.

VICTORIA HALE SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS FOR EXTORTION AND WIRE FRAUD HALE ENTERPRISES BANKRUPT AS PIERCE GLOBAL ABSORBS ASSETS

On the top floor of the Pierce Global Tower overlooking the Boston Harbor, Ethan stood in his corner office, watching the live news coverage on the wall-mounted television screen.

Arthur Pendelton stepped into the office, carrying a thin leather binder.

"The asset absorption is complete, Ethan," Arthur reported, setting the binder on the mahogany desk. "Pierce Global has acquired all patents, real estate, and remaining equity of Hale Enterprises. The proceeds have been placed into a legal trust fund set up in Lucy Bennett’s name."

Ethan turned away from the television screen. He looked immaculate in a custom dark charcoal suit, but the cold, ruthless air that used to surround him was entirely gone. His eyes were bright, his shoulders relaxed.

"Thank you, Arthur," Ethan said. "For everything."

"It was the honor of my career, Ethan," the old lawyer smiled, shaking his hand. "Now, if I may offer one piece of non-legal advice?"

"What’s that?"