Chapter 47

First person POV

The flash of lights outside the gala venue was a storm, cameras swinging toward us the moment Ryan’s car rolled up the front of the marble steps.

I stepped out first.

Black velvet hugged my frame, sleek and high-necked, with sheer sleeves and a slit that kissed mid-thigh.

My hair was tucked into a loose, elegant bun, with soft tendrils falling just right.. enough to frame, not expose.

Not too much face. Just enough mystery.

Ryan joined me a second later, in a sharp black tux with his signature clean lines and subtle cufflinks.. minimal, silent power.

His hand found the small of my back. Light, possessive. Controlled.

“Let them look,” he murmured against my ear, as the cameras flared again. “Just remember why we’re here.”

“I never forget,” I said, stepping forward, chin high.

Inside, the gala glowed with understated wealth.

Crystal chandeliers. Gold accents.

Low music humming through the room like a secret. Waiters moved silently between conversations that cost mo