Chapter 4

Evelyn

I make my way back to the ballroom and snag another glass of champagne from a waiter’s tray. Now that I know Xander’s face, it should be easier to identify him. I scan the younger men in the room, but the masks still pose a problem.

Despite my best efforts, my eyes keep searching for any sign of him—my stranger. I keep telling myself it’s just to see if he’s all right.

Moving farther into the room, I accidentally bump into someone.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” I blurt out, silently thanking God I didn’t spill my drink.

My green eyes meet a pair of sharp blue ones—angry ones. The woman glares at me with an expression so nasty it takes me aback.

“Are you blind? Watch where you’re going!” she hisses before storming off.

I stare after her, my mouth slightly open. What the hell is her problem?

“That’s Yasmine. And no It’s not you—she’s just naturally bitchy.”

I turn to see a woman in a lovely burgundy dress walking up to me. She’s striking, with red hair styled in perfect princess waves and gorgeous green eyes.

She smiles warmly and extends her hand. “Hi, I’m Natasha. Nice to meet you.”

I return her smile and shake her hand. “I’m Evelyn. The pleasure’s mine.”

“I saw you and figured this is your first time attending.”

“Really? What gave me away?”

“Well, the fact that you’re here alone, not mingling with anyone. And you have that ‘newbie’ look to you.” She grins. “I love your dress, by the way.”

“Thanks.” She seems nice. It feels good to talk to someone normal. “Who was that woman earlier?”

Natasha sips her champagne. “You mean Yasmine? No one you need to bother yourself with. She’s just a self-proclaimed princess. Pay her no mind. She feels entitled because she comes from old money and because this ball is somewhat organized for her. It’s a charity event and an engagement party.”

“Really?” I ask, surprised. Uncle didn’t mention that. Maybe he wasn’t aware himself. “How do you know? Do you know her personally?”

“Sort of. And also, this is a small world—everyone here knows everyone.” She eyes me curiously. “Come to think of it, how are you here? Plus one?”

“Yes,” I lie.

If she knows everyone, then she must know Xander.

“Do you know Xander Black?”

She scoffs. “Who doesn’t know Xander Black? This is his engagement party.”

I freeze.

His engagement party?

How did Uncle not know this?

“Wait, you mean he’s getting engaged to Yasmine?”

“Yep. It’s more of an arranged marriage, from what I heard. Xander’s been away from the public eye for a long time, and no one knows why. I’m not surprised they’re getting married, though. Their families have been close forever, and they run in the same social circle.”

I feel the dagger biting into my skin.

So much for seducing him. That plan is officially off the table. I need to find him, get him alone, and finish this.

Scanning the room, my eyes land on Yasmine, who’s surrounded by a group of women.

“Is he around somewhere?” I ask Natasha, still keeping my gaze on Yasmine.

“He was here not too long ago... Oh, look, I guess they’re about to start.”

“Start what?” I turn my attention away from Yasmine.

A tall, slender woman moves to the center of the room, clinking her glass to get everyone’s attention.

“First of all, I want to thank you all for your support at our annual charity event. Your donations and presence mean the world to us, and we are honored. As you all know, tonight is a very special occasion. This party wasn’t only organized for charity but also to welcome our CEO back and to announce his engagement to Miss Yasmine Barker...”

As she continues speaking, my mind goes into overdrive.

My eyes scan the crowd, alert.

Then—I see him.

A very familiar figure stands at the far end of the room, a striking blonde beside him.

I frown, my focus sharpening.

Yasmine is looking up at him with a huge smile, her hand gripping his forearm.

He’s without his mask now, but I still can’t see his face clearly.

An unsettling feeling washes over me.

My heart pounds in a way I don’t like.

No. No, it can’t be.

Panicked, I turn back to the woman speaking.

“...And now, let’s raise our glasses in a toast to Mr. Black and his fiancée, Miss Barker.”

The crowd erupts into applause and cheers.

I look back.

And I see him.

My stranger—Xander.

Standing beside Yasmine.

My stomach twists violently.

I feel like I’m going to throw up.

Without the mask, his face is exactly as it was in the picture.

He smiles slightly and raises his glass.

And in that moment—

Our eyes clash.