The luxury hotel’s ballroom shimmered like a field of stars. Crystal chandeliers spilled gold light across marble floors polished to a mirror sheen. The air was thick with perfume, laughter, and the muted clinking of glasses. Waiters in white gloves glided through the crowd, balancing trays of champagne as conversations rippled from one cluster of elites to another.Catherine entered beside Adrian, her posture elegant but her eyes quietly scanning the hall. She had attended countless events like this, yet tonight felt heavier, more dangerous. The smiles looked sharper; the compliments sounded like veiled threats.Adrian walked beside her in a simple black suit, no tie, his calm presence somehow drawing eyes without effort. Though he said little, people’s gazes followed him — not because they recognized him, but because of the quiet power in his bearing. There was an ease in the way he moved, like someone who knew the world could never shake him.“Everyone here,” Catherine murmured sof

Chapter 43The hall was frozen in stunned silence.Moments ago, Liam Wharton had strutted across the room, basking in admiration and privilege. Now, he stood pale and trembling — his grand announcement shattered in front of hundreds of witnesses.Whispers broke the silence, soft at first, then spreading like a tide.“Did you see that? He just made one call and the Coles canceled everything.”“Wait— wasn’t there a rumor that Miss Reyes had a mysterious partner she's seen?”“You think it’s him?”“It must be. No one else could have that authority.”Suddenly, the same people who had laughed at Adrian minutes ago now looked at him with quiet reverence, their faces shifting from mockery to awe.Some even offered tentative smiles, the kind reserved for those who suddenly realized they had insulted the wrong man.Catherine could feel the change in the air — fear and fascination mingled like perfume and smoke. For a brief moment, she almost pitied Liam. Almost.Liam stumbled forward, his voice