Chapter 11: Cruel

Adrian Blackwood arrived at the Stars Gala in style and stepped onto the event's red carpet with all eyes on him. He was dressed in a tailored black tuxedo with subtle gold embroidery on the lapels. He radiated confidence and charm. Flashes of cameras illuminated his amber eyes as reporters and photographers shouted his name, desperate for a photo or comment.

"Adrian! Over here!" one reporter called.

He turned briefly, offering his signature smoldering ...