a's

d my figure flawlessly, highlighting my curves with a sweetheart neckline and a slit ascending one side. It was stunnin

ser. I felt tense, and my hands trembled a bit. As I left my room and we

tie he had on complimented my dress, and the faint grin on his face made it hard to look elsewhere. Damian wa

g just enough to cause a blush on my cheeks. "You clean up nic

ng me feel both flattered and uneasy. "You don't

ss suits you. Remind me to p

to reply. Compliments from Damian are hard to come by and I could

ough texts and responding with brief, terse replies. I gazed out the window, attempting t

was entirely made of glass and steel, rising into the night sky. Warm lights illuminated the entrance, where a red

his breath, leaning closer. "You're w

chandeliers, golden details, and tables decorated with elaborate centerpieces. At the front

ndividuals gathered, applauding and chatting quietly with one another. My heart raced as I looked around, I felt like I was out of pl

ne soft yet commanding. "You

ter as we headed to our seats at the head table. T

effortlessly shifting between casual conversation and business talk. I

hair silver but his posture still commanding. He ex

ration. "It's nice to have you back." "I've been trac

n said smoothly, shaking his

e, featuring a courteous smile. "And this must

duced, his tone calm

, but the man quickly turned

ontinued. "Bouncing back after what

ave of confusion washed over me. Monroe

oice carried a subtle sharpness when he respond

I couldn't concentrate. The phrases echoed in

ze. Damian kept socializing, effortless

my thoughts spiraled. Once we got back to the pentho

, I turned to look at him. P"W

nd. He unfastened his tie and headed to the living r

he stated, his voice

, following him. "Hartford said my father did

pression unreadable. "Drop it, L

d, my voice rising. "I have t

a dominating. "Deserve?" he echoed, his tone me

ce shaking yet resolute. "

. "You have no rights in this, Layla." You're a pawn, nothi

me voiceless. Tears welled in my eye

is world isn't as you perceive it. "You want answers? Fine.

ow, leaving me astonished. For an instant, I was unable to breathe, unable to talk. Damian's eyes remaine