The hall glowed with soft, golden light as everyone settled into their seats. A hush fell gradually as the musical welcome performance began, the keyboard and violin blending into a melody that wrapped the atmosphere with elegance.Taylor sat stiffly in her chair, her hands clasped too tightly in her lap. She tried to focus on the music, on the sparkle of the chandeliers, but her eyes betrayed her. They darted to the corner where Natalia sat, poised and graceful, as though the world itself had slowed down just to let her exist.Her chest tightened. Natalia. Of all people. She shifted slightly, stealing a glance at Amelia, who was a few rows ahead, talking animatedly with one of her guests. The contrast nearly made Taylor dizzy. Amelia, radiant and bold. Natalia, serene and untouchable. Both women somehow tangled in Nathan’s orbit.Her lips parted before she could stop herself. She leaned toward Nathan, forcing her voice into casualness though her insides twisted. “It seems like your e

They moved together in rhythm, her hand light on his shoulder. For a fleeting moment, Natalia allowed herself to savor it, the music, the warmth of his presence, the familiar steadiness. Then reality sank like a weight. She remembered the coldness of his words at the hospital, the anger in his voice.This might be her only chance to mend things between them.“I’m sorry,” she whispered.He arched a brow. “Really?” His voice dripped with disbelief.“Yes.”“For what?”Her throat tightened. “You know, Nathan. For what my mother did.”“You should be,” he said flatly.“I suspected something was off with her actions,” Natalia pressed, desperate to make him understand. “And after I learned she got to know through me that you ended Kacper and his uncle, I had wanted to find out more about what her intentions were but failed. I didn't intentionally tell my mother that you,” her voice lowered cautiously, “killed Kacper and his uncle like you think. I swear." Nathan’s mouth parted, ready to lash

Back in the grand hall, the lights shimmered warmly, catching the gold accents of the chandeliers. Laughter drifted from a few corners as waiters circled with fresh trays of champagne, but Nathan’s steps were brisk, his shirt still damp where he had wiped away the spilled wine. He was heading back to his seat, his gaze trained on the table across from Taylor.Just before lowering himself into the chair, he froze. His eyes scanned the hall quickly. Once. Twice. His brows pulled together in question.Natalia.She wasn’t there.Taylor’s eyes, sharp and watchful, caught the flicker of recognition on his face. She leaned back and gestured to the empty chair.“Sit down, Nathan,” she said, almost too smoothly.He sank into the chair, posture stiff. His lips parted to ask the question that burned on his tongue, but he hesitated. As if reading his silence, Taylor’s tone shifted to something colder.“Natalia left already, Nathan.”His head snapped toward her. “What?”“She’s gone,” Taylor replie

Natalia’s lips curled, her face tightening as she scoffed. “You’re so disgusting. And above all, you're pathetic. Do you think waving a gun makes you a man?”Her words sliced, but instead of anger, he only cackled, shaking his head like she had just cracked the funniest joke. “I’m a man who can make you feel good, dear.”She flicked a glare at him, unable to hide her contempt for him.“Why upset?” He asked with fake concern. "Don’t tell me you don’t want a sex escapade with me tonight.”He leaned closer, his breath sour, fingers lifting as if to caress her cheek. Natalia jerked her head aside, her face squeezing in defiance. His hand brushed air, and his grin faltered for a beat before turning sly.“What’s wrong?” he prodded, mock innocence lacing his tone. “Do you have a boyfriend? Oh wait—” his eyes lit up as if he’d uncovered treasure, “you’re still all over your ex-husband, aren’t you? What was his name again? Ah, yes… Nathan. He was at the launch, right? I think I saw him.”Her h

Nathan froze for a second, chest rising and falling. He stepped toward the edge, peering into the shadows below. There was no trace of the man, only rippling black water.He groaned under his breath, a bitter smirk tugging his lips. “Serves you right, bastard.”The pain in his forearm yanked him back to reality. Blood dripped steadily from the wound, warm and relentless. He pressed a hand against it, hissing softly, then moved back toward Natalia’s car.Opening the door, he glanced back at her once more. Her chest rose gently, unconscious but safe. That was all that mattered. He slid into the driver’s seat, his good hand gripping the wheel tightly.Pain burned through him, every pulse a reminder of the bullet lodged in his flesh. But his eyes remained sharp, forward. With a grim determination, he started the engine.The car rumbled to life, headlights casting pale beams across the empty road. Nathan tightened his grip, ignoring the ache, and pressed his foot on the pedal.As the car s