Tonight's lavish banquet was hosted by one of Dietrich's business partners, a man who had practically begged for months just to get Dietrich Vance to attend.

As the most feared mafia boss in the underworld, Dietrich’s mere presence was enough to command the entire room. Everyone—from wealthy billionaires to powerful figures—was desperate to catch his eye and win his favor, while I stood by his side as his wife. Being married to a man who ruled both the business world and the shadows meant every eye was on me tonight.

Feeling suffocated by the heavy atmosphere, I slipped out to the quiet garden balcony near the deep pool to catch my breath. I couldn't help but smile, still amazed at how gently a man as feared as Dietrich held my hand throughout the evening.

You really think you deserve to stand by his side?

A sharp, venomous voice shattered the quiet.

I turned around to see his childhood friend standing there, her eyes burning with pure jealousy and hatred. Before I could even react, she lunged forward and shoved me hard over the edge.

The cold water swallowed me instantly. The pool was dangerously deep, and no matter how frantically I thrashed my arms, I couldn't swim. Darkness started creeping into my vision as my lungs burned for air.

Just as my consciousness began to fade, a loud splash shattered the surface above—Dietrich diving straight down into the deep water without a second's hesitation.