he Lancaster family, but nothing had prepare

eilings stretched up like a cathedral, draped with golden chandeliers that cast warm, dazzling light onto the immaculate marble

he were stepping int

Arielle could feel the weight of his presence beside her. His tall frame towe

e cut through the tens

uding power and control. But beneath that icy exterior, she could feel the faintest h

r. She had to admit, despite the madness of the situation, a small part of her felt

n a motion so formal it seemed as though he were offering her a seat a

he sensation sent a strange shiver down her spine, but just

any of the other high-society elites. The women wore expensive gowns, diamonds glittered on e

were on her

the whispers, the judgment in their stares. Damien led her through the crowd without a word, his icy demean

. She had never been to an event like this in her life. Her mother had always been more concerned with survival

she was o

But the real spectacle was the people-wealthy, untouchable, and flawless. It didn't matter that Damien had given her little more t

e couldn't ignore-the way her body

urpose, the way the others stepped aside for him without question, made her feel like she was in the presence of someone untouchable. And yet... he had

the small talk the women were so adept at. But every now and then, he

urned to find a well-dressed woman with platinum blonde hair and a perfec

. "I'm sure I wasn't the brid

en a smile, but her eyes were sharp. "No, certa

red in their direction. "

subtle judgment that cut through her words. It was clear that she was scrut

ding her hand. "It's so wonderful t

nt before shaking Daphne's hand.

es. "I do hope you'll be able to keep up with the family's

st," Arielle r

stepped forward, signaling that it was time to move on.

t of Daphne's words. What had she meant by that? Was she implying Ariell

of tension around his eyes. He was the one who had brought her here-who had

ust loud enough for him to h

look at her. "Yo

ielle said, her voice flat. "

expression still unreadable. "T

u're only tolerating me because of some arrangement.

g on hers for a moment longer than necessary

to the crowd, her heart pounding with conf

She had come here with a purpose-whatever that purpose turne

quite understand, glances she couldn't decode, and awkward silences t

dwindling as the last guests began to leave. Damien, however, had long since retre

of the room, the echoes of the gala still

ce broke throu

d well

ng by the door, his casual demeanor

he said, her tone a littl

"It's not easy, you know. But you handled it. Dam

ched. "I'll take th

ing closer. "But just remember-this fam

lle replied dryly. "But I'm n

pened. "Then maybe you'r

-