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After surviving one brutal marriage, Rachel Vos thought she recognized the warning signs. She thought she'd know better next time. But nothing about Antonio DeFina feels dangerous—at first. He’s calm. Charming. Sophisticated. The kind of man who walks into a room and makes everyone else disappear. He doesn’t need to raise his voice. His power is quieter. Sharper. More intoxicating. When Antonio offers Rachel a fresh start—a high-paying job, a new apartment, a clean slate in a town where no one knows her past—it feels like fate. A miracle. Maybe even the kind of love story she’s earned after everything she’s endured. But nothing with Antonio is accidental. Nothing is ever truly free. As Rachel is drawn deeper into his world of bourbon, influence, and quiet control, she begins to question the nature of her choices. Was she ever really choosing… or was she being led all along? Because Antonio doesn’t trap with chains. He traps with trust. And once you belong to him—he doesn’t let go. This reader magnet is a gripping prelude to The Syndicate Executive, blending dark romance with psychological suspense in a world where love and control look disturbingly alike. For readers who crave emotional intensity, morally complex men, and heroines who fight to reclaim their voice—even when it’s buried under silk sheets and whispered Italian. Content warnings: This story contains emotional manipulation, psychological abuse, implied infidelity, and themes of trauma recovery. Please prioritize your well-being. A full content warning and support resources are included in the opening pages