[EVE]
I hated how he had thrust into the spotlight. But I'd known this was coming. It was the very reason I hadn't wanted to attend—because deep down, I knew this would happen.
From the corner of my eye, I caught sight of Sophie, Sophia, and Sullivan, their glares sharp enough to pierce steel. Sophie looked positively livid, while Sophia's calculating expression remained intact, though her clenched fists betrayed her growing frustration. Sullivan, on the other hand, stood stiff, his lips pressed into a thin, disapproving line.
Not far away, Sinclair leaned casually against the railing, a glass of champagne in hand, his smirk radiating amusent at the unfolding drama. Victor, standing a few paces from him, appeared ready to approach , but he was promptly intercepted by none other than Cain and Leanna Fay.
Likely business matters, I thought absently, though the intensity in Victor's eyes was hard to ignore.
And then there was Lina. To my utter shock, she was standing beside Daniel. Find your next read at empire
Daniel? What on earth was he doing here? And with Lina, of all people?
My mind whirled as I tried to piece it together. How did those two even know each other? Daniel had never once ntioned being close enough to Lina to attend an event like this, and be her partner.
Then again, his mother was deeply entrenched in real estate, so perhaps they'd crossed paths through so business dealings.
But now wasn't the ti to speculate about others. I have my own set of problem as all eyes were on .
I thanked every higher power that this party was private, with little to no dia present. The last thing I needed was my face plastered across headlines tomorrow, dissected and scrutinized by the public.
Cole stayed by my side the entire evening. He guided through the yacht—his birthday gift from his parents, while Lina, of course, had received a château in France.
Must be nice to have billionaire parents.
He introduced to potential business partners, ensuring I was well-received by everyone we t. At one point, he even had the chef prepare exclusive dishes just for . It was as if he'd forgotten it was his birthday and decided to make the center of attention instead.
The weight of so many eyes on was suffocating. I shifted uncomfortably, trying to shake the growing unease that ca with the spotlight.
"I'm fine, Cole. You don't have to hover over . Go do your thing," I said, forcing a small smile and gesturing for him to focus on his guests.
"But you are my thing," he replied, his voice low and serious.
My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly glanced around, mortified at the thought of anyone overhearing him. Thankfully, if anyone had, they were polite enough to pretend otherwise.
Cole leaned closer, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "If you're uncomfortable, we could always slip away. I know a room where we could be alone."
I shot him a glare. "I would never go anywhere with you alone."
His smirk deepened, his tone teasing. "We're already living under the sa roof. Alone, rember?"
My frown deepened, and I hissed, "Will you stop that? Soone might hear you!"
Cole chuckled, the sound rich and unapologetic, but before I could retort, one of the hosts called out his na. His expression changed instantly, the light in his eyes dimming as his jaw tightened.
"Damn that speech," he muttered under his breath.
"Keep your voice down!" I whispered harshly, glancing around. "Are you crazy? Do you want everyone to hear you?"
Wait . . . why was I the one who was worried about his reputation?
For a mont, his features softened, and he gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's a tradition. Each year, one of us gives a speech. It was Lina last year, so now it's my turn. I can't avoid it."
I wanted to ask why he even wanted to avoid it. Instead, I nodded reluctantly.
"Stay here and wait for ," he said, his voice gentler now. Then, without warning, he lifted my hand to his lips and pressed a light kiss against my knuckles.
My breath hitched as warmth flooded my cheeks. And then he was gone, walking towards the upper deck to face the crowd.
T-that idiot! I thought, my heart racing as I glanced around. Sure enough, everyone was staring at now, their knowing gazes and quiet whispers making the air feel even heavier.
I wanted to disappear, but instead, I stood there, rooted to the spot, the imprint of his kiss lingering on my hand as if it carried a promise only I could hear.
Damn that man for making feel so rattled. My cheeks might as well be an oven right now.
"I need a drink," I muttered under my breath, making my way to the champagne table as Cole began his speech.
The centerpiece of the yacht was an expansive pool, glistening under the soft glow of string lights. Despite the ga-luxurious design and the crowd of a hundred exclusive guests, the space felt airy and lavish. Cole's family certainly didn't hold back when it ca to grandeur.
In my haste to escape my frazzled nerves, I didn't notice Sophie until it was too late. She sidled up beside with a feigned air of innocence, and before I could react, she "slipped" a leg out, giving just enough of a push to topple over.
Ti seed to freeze as I tumbled backward.
The next thing I knew, I was subrged, the cool water shocking my senses. My mind raced, not with fear of drowning—I knew how to swim—but with panic over my dress. Hyun had spent days perfecting this masterpiece, and now it was soaked, clinging to like a second skin.
When I surfaced, gasping, my vision blurred from the water. The first thing I saw was Cole.
Without a second thought, he leapt from the second deck with a forceful splash, his expression a mix of urgency and fury.
Reviews
All reviews (0)