betrayed her. It wasn't that she didn't own anything nice; it was that nothing she had felt remotely appropriate for a blac

The fabric shimmered subtly under the light, elegant without being ostentatious. The neckline

ked inside t

not an obliga

et she couldn't deny the practicality of wearing the dress-

me and her hair swept into a loose chignon. A touch of makeup brought out

terrupted her final adjustment

iting. B

, the chauffeur giving her a polite nod as he opened the door. Adrian was already inside

n she entered, his gaze sweepin

" she quipped, settling in

uched his lips. "Not

uard, but she shrugged it off.

the scale of the event hit Elena like a tidal wave. The grand hotel was lit up like a beacon, with luxury

of the car. Cameras flashed immediately,

d, his voice low an

nside. The grand ballroom was even more overwhelming than the exterior, with crystal chand

tening slightly on Adrian's arm. He glanced down,

e said quietly. "Ju

s with an efficiency that bordered on mechanical. Every so often, he introduced Elena, and

her resolve was truly tested. One of the men, a tall, silver-haired gentleman

he asked, his ton

Adrian said smoot

chest. She extended her hand, forcing a

than Prescott. I've known Adrian for years,

rian interjected, his tone effortlessly

ention shifting back to Adrian. Elena exhaled quietl

was a master at navigating the social labyrinth, his charm understated but effective. Yet there

ian asked, pulling h

alf-full glass of champagne da

ing and her demeanor confident. She wore a scarlet gown that

ips curving into a knowing smile. "I

" Adrian said, his tone polite

a, her smile widening. "Fiancée? I wa

evelopment," he

sweetness. "I'll leave you two lovebirds to it. But do ca

she sauntered away, her heels cl

," Elena

making an impression," A

early not thri

ied, his gaze steady. "Focu

Elena thought, but sh

her to a quieter corner of the room. His hand rested

onight," he sai

f sarcasm creeping into her ton

ion sincere. "This isn't easy, bu

ff guard, and she glanced a

ering a tray of desserts. Adrian waved him off, but Ele

?" Adrian asked, a hint o

'm right," s

pected. For a moment, the tension between them

ieved and drained. The ride back to the gallery was

is expression unreadable. "Tonight was just t

e hardening. "I didn't agree t

to a faint smile. "Good

against her skin. The gallery door loomed ahead, a com

f the evening replaying in her mind. Adrian Blackwell was a puzzle she

he had a gal