The Proxy Groom: A Hostile Matrimony

For twenty years, Rydan survived the brutal smog-slums of Zelrova, building a clandestine data-broker empire alongside his ruthless childhood friend, Zarys. When the ultra-wealthy Ghalvan Corporation suddenly claims Rydan as their long-lost son, it is no fairytale reunion. They only want him as a disposable pawn to marry the terrifying, famously disfigured heiress of the Vesperi Holdings - sparing their golden fake heir, Jorlan, from the political alliance. The Ghalvan elites sneer at Rydan's lack of etiquette, laughing as they send the 'gutter rat' to the monster's estate. They don't know that Zarys's 'disfigurement' is a carefully crafted media lie to avoid suitors, or that she is the shadow-CEO of Vesperi. By forcing this marriage, the arrogant elites haven't discarded a useless son; they have legally united the city’s two most dangerous underworld masterminds. As Jorlan parades his stolen wealth, Rydan and Zarys secretly prepare a devastating corporate ambush. When the wedding bells ring, will the Ghalvan family realize they just financed their own hostile takeover?