The Grand Meridian Hotel stood tall against the evening sky. Bright crystal chandeliers shone through the wide glass doors at the entrance, and the sound of quiet conversation and classical music came from inside.Celia stood beside Damon’s car, smoothing down the midnight-blue silk gown Anthony had given her, unaware that Damon was the one who had chosen it and asked Anthony to deliver it.The dress hugged her figure perfectly, its subtle shimmer catching the light from the hotel's entrance. Despite the elegance of her attire, she couldn't quite shake the nervous flutter in her stomach."You look stunning," Damon said softly, adjusting his black bow tie as he moved to stand beside her. His suit was perfectly fitted to his body, looking sharp and precise, transforming him from the man others saw as ordinary into someone who clearly belonged among the city's elite."Thank you," Celia replied, her voice slightly breathless. "I have to admit, I'm a little nervous. This is... quite differ

Damon and Celia moved through the elegant crowd. He kept his eyes sharp, scanning for any sign of trouble from Serena and Michael, all the while staying close to Celia. He knew they were here tonight, and he was certain they would try to cause trouble again. Those fools never learned."This champagne is wonderful," Celia said softly, taking a small sip from her glass."I'm glad you're enjoying yourself," Damon replied, his voice gentle but his gaze scanning the room.A distinguished older man in an expensive tuxedo approached them with a curious smile. "Good evening. I don't believe we've been introduced. I'm Richard Blackwood, from Blackwood Industries.""Good evening, Mr. Blackwood," Damon said politely."I have to say, I'm quite curious," Richard continued, looking between Damon and Celia. "I know most of the prominent families in this city, but I don't recall seeing your faces before. What industry are you in?"Celia felt her stomach tighten with nervousness. She hadn't expected

Damon didn’t move. His jaw tightened, every line of his face carved with restraint. He knew exactly why he couldn’t give them his last name. The second the word Sterling left his mouth, the air in this room would change. They would all know who he was.They would know he was part of one of the most powerful families in the city. But he wasn't ready for that revelation. Not now. Not like this.When the right time came, he would reveal his true identity. But that time wasn't tonight, and it certainly wasn't because these arrogant people demanded it.Celia looked at Damon desperately, her mind racing with confusion and fear.“Damon, please,” she whispered, her voice trembling with urgency. “Why won’t you just tell them your last name? If you do, they’ll leave us alone.”But as the words slipped out, a sudden realization struck her. In all the time she had known Damon, he had never once spoken his last name. Not a single time.She sifted through her memories, replaying every conversation,

Damon scoffed as Serena and Michael made a scene, sure it would end badly for them. “Clowns,” he muttered, watching them pull the same dumb stunts they were always known for.Richard, Margaret, and Thomas exchanged bewildered glances. Richard leaned toward Margaret and whispered, "But Anthony Williams just called them VIP guests."“I heard that too,” Margaret whispered back. “I guess these people don’t know either and just wanted to cause trouble.”Serena heard them whispering without knowing what they were talking about. She grew more desperate, thinking their words were starting to sway others. "Don't let them fool you! I was married to this worthless man. I know exactly what kind of monster he is.""She's telling the truth," Michael declared, his voice echoing across the ballroom. "These two have been scamming their way through high society, pretending to be important when they're actually criminals."Serena smiled to herself, certain that Damon and Celia were finally going down. S

Vivienne stood frozen in place, her heart racing as Damon’s words echoed in her mind. He had thanked her. After everything that had happened between them, after the misunderstanding, he had actually thanked her.She hadn’t expected this moment. Not now, not when he still hadn’t forgiven her. Not when she knew he was still angry.Her breath came in quick, uneven gasps as she watched him walk away with Celia. “He doesn’t hate me completely,” she whispered, her voice trembling with hope, her eyes never leaving his figure. “There’s still a chance. He hasn’t shut me out forever. He can still forgive me.”She had braced herself for him to ignore her completely tonight. She had expected him to turn away again, just like at the airport. But instead, he had acknowledged her help.Maybe he understood that she hadn’t defended him just to deceive him into forgiving her. Maybe he realized she was truly trying to make things right.Vivienne pressed her hand to her chest, feeling her heart slam aga