In the thriving metropolis of 1890 Philadelphia, Robert Van Enger seems to have it all—a vast fortune, an illustrious family name, and a portfolio of businesses that secure his place among the city’s elite. But his meticulously ordered world is turned upside down the moment he sees her. Auburn-haired with striking green eyes, Dorian Hathaway is unlike anyone he’s ever met. Moving through the halls of his advertising agency with quiet confidence, she seems unaware of the spell she casts. It isn’t just her beauty that captivates him—it’s her talent, her grace, and the mystery of a mind that seems worlds apart from the ordinary. For the first time, Robert is consumed by a force he cannot control, drawn to a woman who doesn’t even know he exists. Dorian, the coal miner’s daughter from the working-class neighborhood of Kensington, has defied all odds to become Philadelphia’s most brilliant designer.
When their paths finally cross, she’s overwhelmed by Robert’s charm and quirks—he’s handsome, witty, and refreshingly unconventional, even a bit peculiar in a way that warms her heart. He’s everything she never thought she could have. Yet, she can’t ignore the stark divide between their lives, his world is gilded with privilege, hers shaped by hardship. But there’s more to Robert than his wealth and status. He sees the world differently, thinks differently, in a way that Dorian understands all too well.
As children, both endured ridicule for their unique minds, labeled as odd or broken by those who couldn’t comprehend their brilliance. Their fathers, a wealthy banker and a humble coal miner, saw the truth, fostering their children’s intelligence in a world that didn’t yet appreciate it.
As their bond deepens, it becomes clear that their love is not without peril. When Robert’s life is threatened by ruthless enemies seeking to tear him down, his sole concern is Dorian’s safety. Even as he heals from his wounds and plots his revenge, one thing remains unshakable: no one will hurt her or their chance at happiness. Not his rivals, not his enemies. No one. In a city driven by ambition and shadowed by danger, Robert and Dorian must fight for a love that defies society’s expectations and the odds stacked against them.
The Merchant Prince: Barrier of Stone Book 1
