Chapter 17: Shadows in the Palace

“Allie? What are you doing here?” His voice was calm but carried a dangerous undertone.

Allie felt her face flush with embarrassment. Being caught climbing over a wall wasn’t exactly her finest moment. She tried to downplay it. “It’s... a long story.”

The butler, standing nearby, interjected, his tone formal. “Young Master Adam, do you know these two?”

Adam glanced at Allie and nodded. “This is my friend.”

His gaze shifted briefly to Cher, and his tone turned icy. “I don’t know her.”

The butler nodded in understanding. “If this young lady is a friend of yours, please, come inside. But as for the other,

without an invitation, she must leave. If she tries to enter again, we will involve the police.”

Cher was furious as she was escorted out, practically shaking with anger. Standing just beyond the estate’s gates, she glared back at the grand villa. “Allie,” she muttered under her breath, her voice dripping with resentment, “how did you manage this? Hooking up with Adam Hart of all people…”

Meanwhile, Adam’s attention returned to Allie. His gaze softened slightly as he noticed her arm. “You’re hurt.”

Allie glanced down at the scratches on her arm from the thorny bushes. “It’s nothing. Really.”

Adam wasn’t convinced. He gently but firmly took her hand. “Come with me. I’ll get you patched up.”

Before she could protest, Adam led her into the Hart family’s sprawling villa.

The interior was breathtaking. The massive lobby on the ground floor looked more like a grand ballroom. Glittering chandeliers cast warm light over the elegantly dressed guests mingling and sipping champagne. The scent of fresh flowers filled the air.

Allie couldn’t help but gape. The grandeur made her feel even more out of place.

Adam guided her to a private elevator, avoiding the main crowd. On the way up, Allie broke the silence, her curiosity getting the better of her.

“Is Liam here tonight?”

Adam’s expression turned guarded. “Why?”

Allie shrugged, trying to sound nonchalant. “Just curious. I heard there’s some big event tonight. Isn’t he supposed to be meeting someone?”

Adam’s voice was cold. “Whatever Liam’s doing, it doesn’t concern you. And for the record, he already has someone

he’s been in love with for years.”

Allie’s heart sank, the words cutting deeper than she expected. He has someone he loves? Then why did he marry me?

When the elevator stopped, Adam led her to a quiet room. “Stay here,” he said. “I’ll grab something to clean that

wound. No one will bother you in this part of the house.”

Allie nodded. “Thanks, Adam.”

He gave her a small nod before leaving the room.

As soon as the door clicked shut, Allie let out a shaky breath. She glanced around the room. It was minimalistic, decorated in shades of black, white, and gray, with a subtle elegance. A large floor-to-ceiling window overlooked the bustling party below.

She walked over to the window, peeking at the scene below. Familiar faces dotted the crowd—Lisa, Vivian, and even

her father, David.

Her chest tightened. She didn’t belong here, not among these people. Why did I let Cher talk me into this?

Lost in thought, she barely noticed the soft creak of the door opening behind her.

“Allie,” a familiar voice called.

She turned sharply, her breath hitching.

Liam stood at the door, his piercing gaze locked on her.