Chapter 108
108
THE night of the gala came like a storm wrapped in gold.
Ryan had insisted they attend, the kind of event where networking was inevitable, and appearances were everything. Although Amelia had reluctantly agreed, her heart wasn’t in it. She dressed in a sleek, floor-length gown of emerald silk that shimmered under the lights. A pair of diamond studs twinkled in her ears, simple yet elegant. Her hair was swept into an effortless chignon that framed her face beautifully. Ryan, sharp in a black tuxedo with a satin bow tie, extended his hand as they stepped out of the car and into the glow of the venue.
The grand hall was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers cascaded light across the marbled floor, their brilliance reflecting off mirrored walls. The space hummed with soft classical music from a string quartet positioned near the stage. Waiters moved gracefully among the guests with trays of champagne flutes and hors d’oeuvres, balancing conversations with practiced poise.
“Ms. Amelia Cole and her assistant, Ryan Ellis,” the usher announced, though Amelia’s lips pressed thin at the formality. She said nothing, only tightened her hand around Ryan’s arm as they glided into the sea of affluent guests, all dressed in gowns and tuxedos that screamed money, power, and class.
At the center of the room, the host of the evening, a tall man with salt-and-pepper hair, took the microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome! Tonight, we celebrate not only partnership, but vision, the vision that makes this city thrive. Thank you all for joining us.” His voice carried over the room, smooth and commanding.
Applause followed. Amelia sipped lightly from her glass of champagne, her eyes scanning the hall. She tried to remain composed, but every movement, every shadow seemed to crawl on her nerves. She had hoped, prayed and wished Adrian wouldn’t show up as he had been doing. He shouldn’t. She just hoped.
Then came the announcement.
“And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to welcome one of the leading pillars of our economy, a man whose name has become synonymous with ambition and resilience, Mr. Adrian Cole p>
Amelia silently gasped.
A ripple moved through the room. Applause thundered, and all eyes turned as Adrian strode in. Tall and commanding. Perfectly tailored in his midnight blue tuxedo. His presence filled the hall like oxygen rushing into an empty lung. Beside him was Peter, his ever efficient assistant. Amelia froze, her hand tightening around her champagne flute until Ryan gently touched her fingers.
“God! What the hell is he doing here?” she quietly whispered to herself, picking her words one after the other.
She dared a glance at him. Adrian’s gaze swept the room like a hawk’s, acknowledging nods and handshakes as people swarmed to greet him. His smile was polite, distant, yet magnetic enough to draw attention without effort. Ryan’s jaw flexed beside her. He hadn’t expected Adrian either, and the tension between them spiked, though unspoken.
The evening pressed on. Speeches were given, lights dimmed for a presentation, laughter rolled across the tables where glasses clinked. Adrian remained at the center of attention, always surrounded, but always watching.
Then came the activity that shifted the air. A charity raffle was announced, where guests wrote down contributions and pledges. It required participants to step forward, their names called aloud. Amelia had no choice, Ryan urged her, and soon enough, her name was read from the stage.
“Amelia Cole p>
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Adrian’s head turned sharply.
The syllables seemed to slice through the chatter, and though the hall bustled with voices, he heard nothing but her name. His eyes scanned the crowd until they landed on her. She felt it, his stare, it was heavy, unwavering and scorching from across the room.
Her heart thudded violently. She quickly stepped off the stage after making her contribution, retreating into the crowd, her cheeks burning. Ryan’s protective hand steadied her, though even he noticed the shift. Adrian knew now. He had found her.
Soon after, drinks were served again. The scent of expensive wine and roses from the floral arrangements filled the air. Waiters glided past, carrying crystal glasses on silver trays. Ryan excused himself briefly to exchange words with a partner across the room. Amelia, overwhelmed by the piercing atmosphere, rose from her seat.
“I will be back,” she whispered.
She made her way toward the restroom, heels clicking against marble. The ladies’ lounge was as grand as the hall itself, ornate mirrors framed with gold, marble countertops lined with perfumed soaps, and velvet stools for touch -ups. Amelia set her clutch on the counter and stared at her reflection. She took a slow breath, touched up her lipstick, adjusted a strand of hair that had slipped loose.
Her reflection stared back at her with a sternness she tried to maintain.
“Keep it together,” she whispered to herself.
Satisfied, she lifted her clutch, straightened her gown, and pushed open the door.
The hall outside was quieter in that corner, dimly lit, almost too still. She stepped forward, her heels tapping lightly-
And collided with someone.
The firm scent of sandalwood and musk engulfed her.
Her breath caught as her eyes shot upward-
– 4
Straight into Adrian Cole’s.
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Cedella
Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.