Rio Paez watched the interesting play of emotions on Anna's face. Reaching across the table, he grasped her hands. "Relax, Anna," he told her silkily. "I don't want you as my mistress. I want you as my wife."
Rio Paez is angry: at the world, at himself, and most especially at the Thornelowes, who defrauded his father and caused the death of his sister, Sonia Conchita, and the baby she carried. The Portuguese business magnate is determined to avenge the crimes against his family. Although Alec and Bryce, the father and son, were directly responsible for the fraud, Rio has papers that also incriminate Anna, Alec's daughter, and Mildred, Alec's invalid ex-wife. Rio's plan is to put Alec and Bryce behind bars. Also, he will use Mildred as a pawn to coerce Anna into marriage. Anna is shocked. Why does Rio want to marry her? Rio insists that marriage is necessary to restore his family's honour.
Anna tells Rio that she's innocent, but Rio isn't buying it. This time, he is determined that the viper will swallow her own tail.
But the path of revenge is never smooth...
