로그인Alex's POV The laughter died almost instantly, Eric's grin freezing halfway across his face, and Bella's outstretched hand slowly lowering. Even the nearby guests seemed to pause briefly, curiosity pulling their attention in our direction at the sudden change in vibe.Dragos stopped right before me.Up close, the years had barely touched him. He still had the same calm, carved expression. The same eyes that seemed to look through a man, rather than at him. His gaze remained on me."Alex."My name left his lips in that same quiet tone I remembered. Controlled, steady, yet dangerous in its calm."Uncle". That was the fastest response I could give, at least for now as I kept staring at him like it was my first. For a second, neither of us moved. I couldn't tell him how much I've missed him, how much the little me trying so hard to resurface again, misses that smile he had on his face whenever I did something he regarded as 'manly'. Even though his smile always sat tight, it was better
Alex's POV My attention wasn't on the chandeliers. Or the orchestra. Or her excitement. But somewhere in the crowd. My eyes continued moving slowly through the sea of faces as we made for that table. Searching. Waiting. Because I knew Dragos was here tonight. He should be.Near the curved balcony staircase at the end of the hall, ten more steps would've taken us there, to those broad shoulders I sighted standing at the foot of the stairs, palmed dark hair brushed back in careful precision, light skin tone, and a still posture - the exact one I've been accustomed to. My heartbeat froze.Because even from that distance, even after all these years, there was something unmistakably familiar about that silhouette. My fingers tightened around Bella's hand. That looked exactly like Dragos. My eyes had already decided before my mind could catch up. Was I to take Bella to him now?The thought barely settled before his movement broke the illusion. I discovered he had a phone in his hand and h
Alex's POV The lights flashing from every corner were blinding, the bustling murmurs of crowds filled the air, cameras capturing elite personalities, apparel whispering in cool shrills graciously on the floor, beautiful ladies draped delicately on the arms of their gentlemen as they alighted their vehicles. This was more like an opening night for the Le Bal des Étoiles charity gala. It was a place where kings met, whether to show off or for an alliance. A search for dominance was the word for them tonight. Everyone dressed to impress, to outshine, to be relevant, swaying their bodies elegantly to be caught in the spotlight of the numerous cameras that clicked without exhaustion. This was the kind of meeting everyone especially the old-money European families, art patrons, diplomats, discreet billionaires, and 'power couples' looked forward to.It was well known for prestigious charity fundraising, philanthropic awards, private auctions of art, rare jewelry, and heritage pieces. Nam
Alex's POV Our ride arrived soonest - a sleek black Rolls-Royce stood by the curb, its polished body reflecting the golden streetlights as the driver stepped out to open the door. I guided Bella gently into the passenger seat before taking mine, beside her. This year, the Le Bal des Étoiles charity gala was scheduled to take place at the magnificent Palais Garnier Opera House, located in the heart of Paris. So we were in for quite a journey.There was this heavy silence between us, thick with unspoken words. What transpired back at the hotel had somehow seeped in, like the invisible third guest that sat uninvited. I cleared my throat awkwardly a dozen times, working on my bow tie to loosen it. I could feel the tension rising inside me, and the lump in my throat I had to exhale heavily like a burdened horse, to press down. It wasn't the awkward kind of tension. No! It was the kind that came with my heart beating wildly against my chest, like a caged lion.Heat beads gradually pulsed
Alex's POV I worked on my cufflinks, every now and then wondering why the shower was still on. Until it stopped abruptly, making me shoot my head instantly to the bathroom door itching to applaud Bella. She finally decided she had scrubbed enough."Alex, you're still there?," I heard her call out from inside the bathroom and I stiffened mid-motion. Oh right! She needed space to get dressed so we could head out."Yeah!", I responded sharply, making sure my voice was high enough for her to hear, as I tackled the last one. "Heading out now so you can get dressed". The door creaked open before I could move and I stood spellbound, refusing to move. The only thing that rang out in my head was the thought of Bella striding out of the bathroom naked, probably with only her panties on, thinking I had left the room. I swallowed a large lump that had formed in my throat and refused to lift my eyes to avoid a mistake she wouldn't want me to make. "I was about heading out", I said stiffly, hea
Claud's POVI dragged my feet to the glass door under her gaze, still thinking of any excuse to give. But there was none. I dialed Lord Lee's number as soon as I got into the car, panicking before I even heard the answer he was going to give. With my elbow slanting from the armrest, I struck my head with my index finger listening to the automated ringer. If they were smart enough and did hide their location, then that would be good. But if they didn't, that would be bad. Too bad.He picked. "Sir".I hesitated, rubbing vigorously against my temples. "Lee... the broadcast today. I want to hear that you cleaned up your trail and cut off every signal that could lead to you".There was a brief pause on the other end before he said calmly. "Yes, sir. Every loose end was covered. Our location can't be trailed. I made sure of that". "Hidden well... completely?" I pressed, lowering my voice."Completely, sir."I lifted my brows at once, relief sagging my shoulders. "Oh. Really?", I asked wit







