Eloise’s POV“Put me down!” I screamed, pounding my fists against Sebastian’s back.But he didn’t stop. He didn’t even flinch.Damn him!“Sebastian!” I shouted again, thrashing harder.Still, he carried me like I weighed nothing.He marched past the valet stand, through the parking lot, until he found a quiet corner near the garden terrace where no one could see us.When he finally put me down, it wasn’t gentle.I stumbled back, my heels clicking against the pavement, my breath ragged. “What the hell is wrong with you?!”Sebastian’s chest was heaving. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, and there was fire in his eyes—a fury I hadn’t seen in him since… since the day everything fell apart.“You danced with him,” he said, voice low, trembling.I blinked. “What?”“You danced with him,” he repeated. “You let him touch you. Smile at you. Like he had any right.”My mouth dropped open. “Are you serious right now?”“I warned you, Eloise. I told you I’m not just going to stand by.”
Eloise’s POVWhat the hell was that?I immediately turned my gaze away, pretending to laugh at something Collette whispered beside me. I wasn’t even listening. I just needed an excuse to look away—to breathe.But my chest was already tight.I caught myself glaring.At Sebastian.And at her.Vivien Smith.I knew exactly who she was. A socialite with too many connections and a reputation for sinking her claws into anyone with influence. Especially men with power. And Sebastian? He was the perfect target.They looked too comfortable.Too close.And that smile on his face—God.I hated that it bothered me.I shouldn’t care. I shouldn’t.But my fists were already clenched under the table, hidden beneath the soft folds of my gown.How dare he say he came here for me? That he wanted us to have another chance? And now he’s here… flirting?I almost rolled my eyes.“Eloise,” Collette said cautiously, nudging me. “Are you okay?”I nodded. “I’m fine.”She stared at me like she didn’t believe a wor
Sebastian’s POVDamn...Eloise looked stunning.For the second time tonight, I couldn’t contain myself.That dance drove me insane. Her scent crawled through my system like a spell, sending shivers down to my bones.And her touch…God, I wanted her.Right here. Right now.But I forced myself to stop.Barely.After our dance, I stayed in my seat, choosing instead to watch her from afar.She was different now.I remembered the way she used to be—so innocent, so full of life.Even back then, I should’ve known she wasn’t Celeste.But I was too blinded by rage, too consumed by my bitterness toward the world, to see clearly.She still looked like Celeste, yes—but anyone with half a brain would know she was her own person.The way she moved, the way she carried herself—it was poised. Refined.Elegant in a way that was almost… intimidating.“I didn’t expect to see you here, Mr. Whitmore.”I turned to the voice beside me.Vivien Smith.An acquaintance in the business world. Not a stranger, not
I didn’t have a choice but to go.The collaboration between Whitmore Company and Savarre Studio was officially happening.I had asked Ms. Savarre countless times to assign someone else to handle the Whitmore meetings, to let another designer take the lead. But no—she always insisted it had to be me. Saying she trusted me more than anyone else in the company.So even if I wanted to step back, I never really had the option.I didn’t even get the chance to explain to her why this was so difficult for me.And now here I was—standing at the entrance of the hotel where the banquet was being held to celebrate the partnership between the two companies.I smoothed down the silver gown I wa
Eloise’s POVHe wanted to try?What the fuck does he even mean by that?I slammed both hands on the table, my eyes narrowing into sharp daggers.“Listen, Mr. Whitmore, I let your earlier rudeness slide. But if you try—even try—to ruin my life, or my work, I won’t hesitate to fight back.”It was a warning I meant with every fiber of my being. But Sebastian? He didn’t even flinch.Instead, the bastard had the audacity to smirk at me. To look amused, as if my rage was something that entertaine
I barely had time to calm my nerves.The hour passed in a blur of half-hearted preparations. Colette reviewed the investor portfolio with me, pointed out talking points Ms. Savarre had highlighted, and walked me through the seating arrangement—all of which I barely absorbed.My mind wasn’t in it.Because the moment I stepped into that meeting room, I knew he’d be there.Watching.Waiting.And like clockwork, the door opened.I didn’t have to look up to know it was him.The air changed.The silence grew tense.