The formal awards ceremony transitioned seamlessly into the late-night dinner party. The grand hall transformed, filling with flowing liquor, live orchestral music, and the heavy, intoxicating scent of high-end perfumes masking hidden agendas.
Severine looked down at Killian, who kept smiling like a kid.
Thanks to that contagious grin—the one that always made her heart do weird, unpredictable flips—her own lips remained curled up in a rare, genuine smile.
When she stood up, intending to slip away for a brief moment, Killian's hand instantly shot out, his fingers wrapping firmly around her wrist.
"Where are you going?"
The way he looked up at her, his dark eyes wide and filled with a sudden, anxious vulnerability, was almost like a child staring at his mother, terrified of being left behind.
Severine immediately shook that strange analogy out of her mind.
"To the restroom," she said into his ear. "I'll be back in a minute."
