SIX - Reuben's Runaway Kitten

REUBEN BLACKWOOD lifted his glass and took a slow sip, his eyes looking down through the tall glass walls of the main VIP section. As always,actors and actresses moved from group to group, all trying to secure something - roles, funding, relevance.

Beside him stood his closest associates having conversations. Normally, Reuben would have barely been listening and as usual nothing here would interest him.

But tonight, his gaze had stopped moving.

Near the edge of the D-list section stood a woman in a simple gown that did nothing to beg for attention, yet somehow stole it anyway. The woman he now knew to be :

Aurora Valenmoor

Reuben repeated her name silently. Aurora. It lingered on his tongue. After a deep background check, he knew everything the public liked to whisper : blacklisted actress, ruined reputation and the illegitimate daughter of the Valenmoor family.

And the woman from that night. The runaway kitten

His grip on the glass tightened slightly. A month ago, he had lost control in a way that still irritated him. He had been drugged. He remembered flashes, heat and confusion

And her.

The same woman who had slipped from his life before morning, leaving behind nothing but unanswered questions.

In his experience ,most women would have tried to latch on. Asked for something. Stayed behind. Used the moment to their advantage. That was how Rueben knew the world worked.

She hadn’t. And maybe that pissed Rueben more than he would like admit

Below, Aurora stepped into a small group and offered a polite smile. Someone laughed and turned away. Another cut her off mid-sentence. Reuben watched her pause, then straighten her back and try again as if nothing had happened. He found himself leaning forward slightly, his eyes fixed on her.

Suddenly, an arm slung itself around his neck.

“Well, well,” a lazy voice drawled. “What’s got the great Reuben Blackwood staring so hard he forgot we exist?”

Reuben didn’t even look back. He reached up, wrapped two fingers around the wrist, and removed it effortlessly. The message was clear - don’t touch me.

The warning was clear but the man only laughed.

Julian Everhart straightened his jacket,he had a smirk dancing on his lips.

The sole heir of Everhart Pictures, he was famous for his charm, indulgent lifestyle, and complete lack of restraint. Handsome, careless, and entirely too comfortable everywhere he went, Julian treated the industry like his personal playground.

“Wow, wow, still the human iceberg,” Julian laughed lightly, bumping his shoulder closer. “You vanish for months, reappear like a ghost, and the now you're glaring holes into the lower section?”

Reuben didn't budge,he didn't even react like he heard someone speak.

Julian leaned closer, clearly annoyed that he still hadn’t gotten a reaction. He waved a hand in front of Reuben’s face, then clicked his tongue. “Hello? Earth to Reuben.?”

When that still didn’t work, Julian sighed dramatically and followed Reuben’s line of sight. He squinted toward the lower section.

“Oh?” His lips curved into a grin. “Well damn. Who’s that?”

His eyes roamed without shame. “Looks like she wandered into the wrong section. Shame. A body like that deserves a better view and a better company"

Before he could finish, the man standing to Reuben’s other side finally spoke.

“That’s one of the Valenmoor girls,” the man said. “Aurora Valenmoor,to be exact.”

Eric Rowan finally looked up from the tablet in his hand. His face showed nothing.

“She’s the actress involved in last month’s scandal. Private photos were leaked. Her career was ruined in one night. The industry has already given up on her.”

He tucked the tablet under his arm and spoke calmly. “She’s done.”

Eric Rowan wasn’t the type to exaggerate. As the head of Rowan Broadcasting and the oldest of eight children, he was used to carrying responsibility. Everyone knew was a force to be reckoned with.

Julian let out a low whistle clearly entertained. “Wow. That takes nerve,” he said lightly. “Walking into a place like this after all that? I kind of respect it.” His grin turned playful. “Dangerous women are always more interesting.”

Where Julian was careless, playful, and always joking. Eric was calm and strict, he was never impressed by show or drama.

They were complete opposites.

Yet in an industry full of lies and fake people they were the only people Reuben truly trusted.

“It’s time,” Reuben said, his voice was carrying an authority that made everyone pause, even Julian.

Julian, of course, couldn’t resist. He threw back his head and laughed loud . “Look at you!” he said, eyes twinkling with mischief.

“All serious, all proper. Don’t tell me the gala’s finally got to you. Go give your grand speech, Your Majesty! And, hey... Tell Miss Whitmore I said she looks… absolutely finger-licking good tonight

Without another word, Reuben turned and walked out of the room. His eyes, however, drifted back down right to where Aurora Valenmoor stood.