rds replayed in her mind, unsettling her. Be

i

Philip was dangerous, unpredictable, and completely in control

pread out before her. The gala. A night where New York's elite gathered, mask

on the door m

she called

sped in front of her. "Mr. Philip sent me to assist you in

ct? For what? To be paraded aro

of, wearing clothes he had paid for. Not when the only alte

-

own that hugged her body. It was a deep crimson, flowing in delicate waves down t

whelming. He was dressed in a tailored black suit, crisp and commanding, hi

ed. "And remember, appe

is hand, stepping into the dazzl

-

ressed in wealth and influence. Everywhere she turned, people exchanged smiles that neve

ist as they walked through the cro

is

lip never br

be someone

palm. She felt exposed, like a ga

h, but she could sense the authori

that was true, bu

red lips curving into a smirk. "Anthony, I was beginning to

Sophia's waist t

dge in his tone. Whoever this

canning her like she was an object for ev

ny answered for her. "She's with

Amelia only smiled, tilting her head.

ay, her laughter lingeri

Anthony, whisperi

tened. "No o

in his eyes to

-

. Sophia played her role well, smiling when necessary, nodding

uiet, overlooking the glowing city below. The night breeze co

you've

gainst the railing. He was effortlessly hands

?" she asked

ws exactly what it's like t

don't know what you

se you do. You don't

roaching footsteps made her turn. Anthony

way fro

d as he pushed off the railing. "Relax,

tiffened

ched. "I don't rec

And yet, here I am. S

hia turned to Anthony.

leaving the spot where the man

pine. But before she could question further, Anthony's fing

ght," he murmured

phia wondered what she had