Chapter 5 - The Glass Ballroom
The charity gala at the downtown arts center was a suffocating sea of crystal chandeliers, champagne flutes, and designer silk. I stood near the edge of the grand ballroom, feeling every inch the impostor in the sweeping emerald-green evening gown Julian's stylist had delivered to my apartment that afternoon. My hair, usually tied back in a severe maid's bun, was styled in soft waves that fell over my shoulders, framing my face in a way that felt entirely unfamiliar. Across the room, Julian was speaking with the city's mayor and the chairman of the hospital board, his posture effortlessly commanding.
"Well, well. I haven't seen you on the charity committee before," a crisp, sharp voice cut through the hum of conversation.
I turned to find Eleanor Vance-Montgomery, Julian's eldest cousin, eyeing me up and down with undisguised skepticism. Her diamond necklace caught the light, casting sharp glints across her heavily powdered cheeks.
"I'm assisting Mr. Vance tonight," I said evenly, keeping my hands steady against the linen tablecloth.
Eleanor let out a dry, incredulous laugh. "Assisting? Julian doesn't hire assistants who look like they stepped out of a catalog, and he certainly doesn't bring them into the patron circle unless there's an arrangement." She leaned in, her eyes narrowing. "I know the staff roster by heart, my dear. I recognize the girl from the third-floor suite. What game are you playing with him?"
Before I could form a response—before the rising heat in my cheeks could betray my panic—a warm, firm hand settled quietly against the small of my back. The familiar scent of cedar and expensive cologne surrounded me.
"Eleanor," Julian's voice was low, carrying a lethal edge that made the older woman's posture stiffen instantly. He stepped beside me, his shoulder brushing mine, his gaze fixed on his cousin with chilling calm. "Elena is my chief confidential coordinator. If you have questions about my staff or my guests, you can direct them to me."
May you like
Eleanor blinked, her composure cracking for a fraction of a second before she forced a tight, brittle smile. "Of course, Julian. I had no idea your tastes had expanded so far outside the boardroom." She turned sharply on her heel and melted into the crowd.
Julian didn't release his grip on my waist. He looked down at me, his dark eyes softening just enough for the sharp angles of his face to relax. "Come outside," he murmured, steering me gently toward the heavy glass doors leading to the deserted terrace. "It's too loud in here."
