Chapter 18
Gasps of shock rippled through the entire gathering.
The collaborative projects between Sinclair and North Shore Industries were each worth billions in potential profits–and Dominic Reed was willing to surrender all of it?
Ariana felt her heart lurch.
She knew Christopher was fundamentally a businessman; no one would refuse such a lucrative proposition.
Yet to her surprise, Christopher laughed coldly: “Not necessary.”
As if on cue, the Sinclair family members rose in unison, while Elena walked directly to Ariana’s side, taking her hand: “Ariana is a Sinclair now, not a commodity for negotiation.”
Ariana’s eyes grew hot with emotion, warmth spreading through her chest.
Dominic stared at them in disbelief before turning back to Ariana with a plea that bordered on desperation: “Ari…
please, come with me. I’ll make it up to you for the rest of my life.”
Ariana closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them, only cold resolution remained: “NO.”
She turned to the officiant: “Please continue the ceremony.”
The pain in Dominic’s eyes instantly transformed into something closer to madness.
“No one moves!” he commanded sharply.
His assistant hurried forward, whispering urgently: “Sir, everything is in place outside.”
Ariana’s heart skipped a beat as she stared at Dominic: “What are you planning?”
Dominic’s eyes burned with a dangerous red glint, his voice low and menacing: “I’ve planted explosives throughout the building. If you refuse to leave with me, everyone here… dies together.”
The room fell into shocked silence.
Ariana felt ice spreading through her veins: “Have you lost your mind?!”
“Yes, I have,” he stared directly at her, enunciating each word. “If you marry someone else, I’ll lose my mind completely.”
“Dominic Reed!” Her voice trembled. “What do you want?!”
“Come with me,” he continued to stare at her. “Give me one chance.”
