She Escaped Her Stepmother’s Mansion and Climbed Into a Stranger’s Car—But She Had No Idea Who He Really Was

“Don’t take the main road.”

Matthew Carranza spoke so quietly that Elena almost missed the words.

Then he turned toward her.

“Listen to me carefully. Whatever happens in the next few minutes, you must do exactly what I tell you. Can you do that?”

Elena stared at him, her fingers clutching the coat he had placed around her shoulders.

“I don’t even know your name.”

“Matthew.”

“Matthew what?”

A faint, humorless smile touched his lips.

“Carranza.”

The color drained from the young woman’s face.

Even people who knew nothing about business recognized that name. Matthew Carranza owned one of the largest investment groups in the country. His company controlled hotels, shipping terminals, commercial properties, and several international businesses. Newspapers called him ruthless. Business rivals called him dangerous. His employees called him Mr. Carranza, even when he wasn’t in the room.