Power in the Spotlight, Peace in the Shadows

City lights shimmered across the streets as a black Rolls-Royce stopped at Skyline Manor, one of the Vaughns’ grandest properties. Inside, cameras flashed and soft whispers filled the air. Tonight’s gala showed off Vaughn Enterprises’ newest technology and charity work, a display of wealth, influence, and perfect public image for Atheria’s elite.

Sebastian Vaughn adjusted his cufflinks. Beside him, Natasha’s deep emerald gown caught the light with every step. Her parents, Celeste and Gideon Fairfax, taught her that being seen was important and influence was everything. Tonight, every action strengthened her position.

Together, they stepped onto the red carpet. Flashes exploded around them, capturing the perfect image of power and poise. Inside the ballroom, crystal chandeliers glowed above a crowd of investors, media figures, and high-society families.

Sebastian guided Natasha through the room, his hand steady on her back, a quiet sign of leadership. Around them, uncles Armando and Antonio mingled with their wives, Rebecca and Martina. Lucien, Lucille, and Jack greeted younger guests exchanging polite greetings.

Across the room, Julian Mercer stood at the edge, casually watching the crowd. His eyes stayed on Sebastian and Natasha, a faint smirk touching his lips as he remembered the unsigned divorce papers. Beside him, his sister Clara smiled politely at younger guests, though her attention remained on Sebastian. Their eyes met briefly, silently asking: is this work, or more than that?

Natasha moved on purpose, each step meant to keep her visible. She leaned lightly on Sebastian's arm, letting her presence be known without a word. Cameras clicked, whispers circulated, but she remained polished and calm.

Sebastian led her toward the center where Arthur, Emilia, and the rest of the family stood. The room seemed to shift, conversations softening as they approached.

Emilia Vaughn, standing near Arthur, nodded toward Natasha. "Confident, poised, exactly what this family needs," she murmured.

Arthur's eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening. "Looking good doesn't always mean skill or good sense," he said carefully.

Emilia shrugged. "Sometimes showing up at the right time opens doors that skill alone can't."

Arthur's gaze flicked toward Sebastian and Natasha. "This event is meant to celebrate Vaughn Enterprises' technical successes, to mix with our partners, strengthen ties, and show the elite what we can do. It's not a stage for showing off distractions." His tone sharpened. “Sebastian, focus on the purpose of tonight. Don’t let her turn this into a performance.”

Natasha let a faint, controlled laugh escape, almost a whisper to Sebastian. "Alina's absence doesn't mean the company should disappear, does it?"

Arthur studied her closely. "Be careful, young lady. Confidence is fine, but talking as if you can take charge without knowing the risks, that's too bold. And Sebastian," he added, "don't let her charm distract you from your duties tonight."

Sebastian's jaw tightened slightly at Natasha's confidence, but he stayed composed, guiding her through the crowd with professional focus. This was work, not affection. He kept distance in his manner, treating her presence as part of the night's plan.

"She certainly knows how to stand out," Rebecca said, nodding toward Natasha.

"Yes, she does," Armando added, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Still, where's Hart? I hear she's already left."

Antonio shrugged. "Never saw her anyway. Guess she's off somewhere."

Armando glanced around the crowd. "Strange, but it's not like we needed her here."

Rebecca gave a small, knowing nod. "People leave when they want. Doesn't change anything here," she said calmly.

Across the room, Clara watched Sebastian carefully. She saw every move Natasha made, the lean, the gentle touch, the smile. She pressed her lips together. “Alina should be here,” she whispered to Julian. “This feels wrong. But I guess it’s Sebastian’s choice. Natasha is the face of the company tonight, whether I like it or not.”

Julian smirked. “Exactly.”

Clara's gaze softened slightly, still on Sebastian. "I just hate him doing this, poor Alina. She was never treated this way."

Sebastian felt their eyes but stayed composed, aware of every deliberate move Natasha made and the effect it had on everyone watching.

Natasha, unaware of Julian and Clara's quiet observation, leaned lightly on Sebastian's arm. Cameras clicked, whispers passed, yet she remained polished, poised, and in control.

"Enjoying the attention a little too much?" Sebastian murmured, calm and controlled.

Natasha tilted her head, a small smile on her lips. "Isn't this what we came for? To be noticed?"

"Noticed, yes, but professionally," he said, tightening his grip slightly. "Every move matters."

Her hand brushed his lightly. "I know. But sometimes people need to notice before they understand."

“You’re deliberate,” he said.

“Because it works,” she answered with a light laugh. “By the end of tonight, they’ll remember us.”

Sebastian didn’t respond. His focus stayed on the room, the whispers, the stares, Arthur’s warnings, Emilia’s approval. It was all part of the job. Is Alina really gone? He pushed the thought away. Tonight wasn’t the time.

Julian gave him a subtle nod. Clara’s worried look lingered, but Sebastian stayed in control. He managed the event, the crowd, and Natasha’s presence with practiced precision.

Natasha's thoughts flicked to her parents' lessons: attention is power, influence above all. Every move, smile, and touch strengthened her presence. Sebastian noticed, but he played along. The party was only the first step. Tonight, she would secure her place, within Sebastian's circle and among the Vaughn family. Alina's absence made it easier, but it wouldn't go unnoticed.

Miles away in Marlowe, Regina scrolled through gala photos on her tablet. Images of Sebastian and Natasha filled the screen, perfect smiles, perfect posture, perfect timing.

“They’re quite the pair,” Regina murmured.

Alina glanced at the screen, a small smile forming. Her hand rested over her stomach, feeling the quiet promise of new life. “Honestly, it doesn’t matter,” she said softly. “I have everything I need right here.”

Regina raised an eyebrow. “Everything?”

Alina nodded, calm and sure. “Everything that matters. Everything that’s mine.”

Outside, the city kept moving. Lights and cameras captured perfection at the gala, while in Marlowe, Alina held the start of her own future, quiet, safe, and entirely her own.

Back at Skyline Manor, Sebastian kept the evening running smoothly. Natasha stayed by his side, polished and composed, her presence impossible to miss. He felt the eyes on them, the whispers and judgments, but he stayed focused. This was work. Nothing more.