The Framed Fiancé

For the third time, the scent of another man’s cologne clings to Toby Crane’s fiancée, Isabelle Slate—the same scent worn by her assistant, Vincent Shaw. Toby ends the engagement, but for the sake of their families’ long-standing alliance, he gives Isabelle one last chance.

Three days later, at the annual Thanksgiving Gala, Isabelle wheels Vincent in, his leg in a cast, and accuses Toby of crippling him. Her shriek that Toby may buy her obedience but never her heart turns the ballroom against him. Vincent begs Toby to spare Isabelle and take his pound of flesh. Whispers brand Toby a tyrant who crushed true love.

Toby smiles. If they want a monster, he will give them one. When Isabelle’s father, David, calls to protest, Toby refuses to deny the broken leg—and warns that Vincent may not be needing his legs at all.