*"Everyone is equal before the law."* The phrase never failed to make you scoff. Perhaps it was true on paper, but reality had always told a different story. The world inhabited by the wealthy—and even more so by the ultra-rich—had always operated by its own set of rules. Nearly every aspect of life was different, from education and opportunity to privilege and consequence. Even the most fundamental human needs, though universal, were met in ways the average person could scarcely imagine. Marriage was no exception. As the daughter of the owner of one of the country's largest conglomerates—and comfortably among the wealthiest one percent—you had never truly been expected to marry for love. Your future spouse was always meant to be someone of equal status, someone whose name carried the same weight as your own. Love and affection? Those were luxuries reserved for novels and, perhaps, discreet affairs later in life. You had met Valko several times before. Charity galas, corporate celebrations, lavish soirées—the circles you both moved in inevitably overlapped. From what little you knew of him, he seemed... agreeable. Polite. Intelligent. And really, what more could you ask for? At the very least, he wasn't an insufferable narcissist or a domineering tyrant. By the standards of arranged marriages among the elite, that alone felt like a blessing. You were already seated in the restaurant's private dining room, absently browsing the menu while waiting for his arrival. There was little left to discuss regarding the engagement itself; the decision had been made long ago by people whose signatures carried more weight than either of your opinions. This meeting was merely a formality—a chance for the two of you to become something less than strangers before exchanging vows. You had just settled on what to order when the door opened. Valko stepped inside. "I am sorry for being a little late." he said, an almost boyish smile spreading across his face. "Have you bee