Catherine’s POV
"Awwn, you two look so good together," Kiera said, making stare hard at her. She let out a low laugh and winked at .
I bit my lip, shaking my head at her. She moved closer and held my hand. "Sorry, brother. Allow to borrow this damsel for a second."
"As long as you return her imdiately."
They both laughed, inclusive, before Kiera took to a side. "Have you figured out what I did here?" She asked as soon as we were far from other people.
I didn’t understand her question, so I shook my head. "I’m confused."
She rolled her eyes. "I an... Do you realize why I brought my brother here today? All the way from Canada?"
I blinked. "Wait," Realization dawned on . "Did you bring him from Canada to matchmake us?"
That was a joke.
Kiera poked my head. "Girl, I brought him here, so you would use him to make Julian jealous."
I let out a low laugh. "I know. Was just trying to pull your legs."
She smirked. "Watch and see how Julian will co running to you."
I really hoped that would be the case.
Kiera led back to Dante and we started talking. He was fixing my hair when Kiera whispered, "Don’t you dare look behind you, Julian is staring so hard I’m surprised your dress hasn’t caught fire.."
My eyes spread open. "Really?"
"Yes. I can tell he’s losing his mind. Keep your eyes on Dante. You better not give him the satisfaction of knowing you still care where he’s looking."
It was a struggle. Every instinct I had scread at to turn around, to see the expression on his face, to see if the mask had finally cracked. But I forced a smile and looked up at Dante instead.
"Trust the plan," Kiera muttered one last ti before stepping back.
The orchestra began a slow, sweeping waltz. Dante didn’t wait. He bowed slightly, extending a hand with a grace that felt entirely too practiced. "I believe this is my cue. Catherine? Would you do the honor?"
I placed my hand in his, and he led toward the center of the dance floor. He was a masterful dancer, guiding with a firm hand on the small of my back that felt possessive and protective all at once.
As we spun, I couldn’t help but sneak a glance toward the VIP table. My heart leaped when I saw Julian and Lucy. They were leaning into each other, but it wasn’t romantic, it looked like a heated, hissed argunt. Julian’s face was dark, his jaw tight as Lucy pointed a finger at his chest. Good, I thought. Let them be miserable.
But then, Julian’s expression shifted. He glanced toward us, his eyes clashing with mine for a split second before I looked away. Suddenly, he stood up, his movents jagged and angry. He grabbed Lucy’s hand, not in a gentle way and hauled her toward the dance floor.
My satisfaction vanished, replaced by a cold, jagged fury. He was actually doing it. He was parading her right in front of .
"Easy," Dante murmured, his voice low and vibrating against my forehead. He pulled slightly closer, forcing to refocus on him. "You’re starting to look like you want to commit a murder, Catherine."
I didn’t answer. I couldn’t. I was watching Julian spin Lucy around, his eyes fixed on the entire ti, like a silent challenge.
"You know," Dante said, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth, "you’re incredibly attractive when you’re angry. Your eyes get this... stormy look. It is also cute and dangerous at the sa ti."
I felt my cheeks flush again, the heat montarily distracting from the sight of Julian. "I’m not trying to be cute, Dante."
"Well, you’re failing," he chuckled. He leaned down, his breath warm against my ear. "This place is stifling, and the drama is getting a bit loud. Do you want to go sowhere quiet? Just for a mont? I saw a balcony outside that looks far more interesting than this room."
I nodded, desperate to escape the suffocating weight of Julian’s presence. "Yes. Please."
He took my hand, leading toward the glass doors. We were only a few feet away from there when a booming voice rang through the speakers, stopping the music and the room in its tracks.
"Ladies and gentlen! If I could have your attention for a mont!"
Richard stood on the stage, the light catching the silver at his temples. He looked like the picture of a proud statesman. He gestured for Julian and Lucy to join him. I watched, frozen, as Julian led Lucy up the stairs. He looked like a man walking toward the gallows, but he didn’t stop him.
"Stay," I whispered to Dante and his hand tightened on mine. "Let’s stay and see what he wants to say."
He nodded. We moved back into the hall, staying at a position that was clear enough for us to see the stage.
Richard put an arm around Lucy, beaming at the crowd. "Many of you may recognize this young woman," he began, his voice dropping to a confidential tone. "A few days ago, a video went viral. A ’misunderstanding’ at a press conference where this lovely lady made so rather... passionate accusations against my son."
The room erupted into whispers. I could hear the word thief echoing through the crowd like a hiss.
"Silence, please!" Richard commanded, raising a hand. "I know what you’re thinking. Why is she here? Why is she standing beside the man she shad?"
Richard paused for dramatic effect, his eyes scanning the room until they looked like they fell on .
"The truth is far more heart-warming than the scandal," Richard continued. "Passion and anger are often two sides of the sa coin. I am thrilled to clear the air tonight. Lucy isn’t an enemy of this family. In fact, she’s very much a part of it."
He looked at Julian, then back to the crowd.
"I am proud to introduce Lucy to everyone as Julian’s girlfriend. They had a lover’s quarrel that unfortunately went public, but as you can see, the bond of young love is far stronger than a few misplaced words."
The room went deathly silent for a heartbeat before erupting into polite, stunned applause. I felt the floor drop out from under . Girlfriend. I thought this was supposed to be a one day thing but Richard just announced that Lucy is Julian’s girlfriend and Julian just stood there, doing nothing.
My fingers curled by my side in fury.
I felt a tear slip down my cheek, but before I could wipe it away, Dante stepped in front of , blocking from the view of the stage.
"Don’t," he whispered with intense eyes. "Don’t let them see you cry."
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