Stella tapped her fingers against the countertop, barely listening as Kai chattered about the upcoming party. The annual winter gala was a family tradition; despite her best efforts, she never managed to get out of it. But this year, with Noah Dawson back in town and a relentless tension simmering between them, she was dreading it more than ever."So, you're coming this time, right?" Kai's voice broke through her thoughts, bringing her back to the present.She turned to him, meeting his raised brow. "Yeah, yeah, I'll be there.""Good," he said with a satisfied nod. "Wouldn't be the same without you, Stella."She forced a small smile, though her mind was already drifting back to last year's gala—the one Noah hadn't been able to attend. But that hadn't always been the case. She could recall too many of those parties where he'd been around, charming everyone in the room and always leaving her feeling irritated and intrigued.The memory pulled her back to a winter's night three years earlier, her first gala after starting university. She had been so different back then, wrapped up in her world, following her brother and his friends around, looking up to them as if they held all the answers to life.She remembered standing by the large fireplace, wrapped in an elegant but slightly uncomfortable dress, nursing a glass of sparkling water when she felt someone watching her. She had looked up, meeting Noah's gaze from across the room. He had seemed older than his years even then, his suit sharp and perfectly tailored, his expression unreadable but intense."Lost, little Wilhelm?" he had asked when he'd finally approached her, the corners of his mouth lifting in that infuriating smirk."I could ask you the same thing, Dawson," she'd shot back, trying to sound confident despite the flutter of nerves he always seemed to bring out in her. She'd never quite figured out how to act around him, especially with Kai so close by, watching them both like a hawk.But Noah had just chuckled, leaning in closer. "Stick with me tonight, and I'll show you around the 'grown-up' party. Think you're up for it?"At that moment, she'd been sure he was just mocking her. But the spark in his eyes, the way he held her gaze—it made her wonder if he was teasing or testing her. Either way, she hadn't been able to resist. She'd followed him that night, learning to navigate the room with his guidance. She remembered the subtle glances, the brush of his arm against hers, the way he'd subtly shielded her from certain conversations, certain people. That was the night she'd realized how much he stood out—how his presence demanded attention, without him ever having to try.As she thought about that night, her cheeks warmed. She hadn't thought about those moments for years, and yet now, with the new tension between them, it was impossible not to. A part of her hated herself for caring about what he thought, for wondering if he even remembered it the way she did.But Noah had changed too. There was a darker edge to him now, a distance that hadn't been there before. It was like he carried the weight of a thousand unspoken thoughts, ones he guarded fiercely. That wall around him only made her more curious, but she tried to push the feeling away. She wasn't a kid anymore.Across town, Noah's office buzzed with activity, the usual hustle and bustle of his tech empire in full swing. But despite the noise around him, his thoughts were focused on the upcoming gala. His mind kept drifting back to Stella, the flash of defiance in her green eyes, the way her lips pursed when she got irritated with him.He rubbed his jaw, an almost involuntary smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. He had tried so hard to push her out of his mind, to think of her as just Kai's little sister. But she wasn't a kid anymore. She was bold, opinionated, quick with a comeback—and she had a way of looking at him that he couldn't quite shake."Sir, your 3 p.m. call with the investors is waiting," his assistant's voice crackled through the intercom, jolting him back to reality."Thank you, Margo. I'll be right there." He straightened, pushing thoughts of Stella aside. She was a distraction he couldn't afford.The night of the gala arrived sooner than Stella had expected. She stood in front of the mirror, smoothing out her dress. It was a deep emerald green, a striking contrast to her fair skin and auburn waves, which she had left loose. She was nervous, but she tried not to show it. She could handle Noah—whatever that meant now."Ready?" Kai called out, his eyes twinkling with his usual mischief as he waited by the door.She nodded, taking a deep breath. "As I'll ever be."The venue was just as extravagant as always, filled with the city's elite, business moguls, and family friends. Stella glanced around, immediately recognizing the familiar faces from years of these events.And then, as if sensing her thoughts, she felt a prickling awareness before she even turned. Noah had just arrived, stepping into the room with that easy confidence, his presence somehow drawing every gaze in the vicinity. His black suit was perfectly fitted, his dark hair styled just right, and his piercing blue eyes scanned the room before landing on her."Ah, here we go," Kai muttered, following his gaze to Noah. "You two still bickering like children?"Stella managed a casual shrug. "Wouldn't expect anything less."Kai's grin widened, a hint of something knowing in his eyes. "Good luck with that."Before she could respond, Noah was in front of her, a sly smirk playing on his lips."Stella," he greeted, his voice smooth and just a little too smug."Noah," she replied, lifting her chin slightly. "Surprised to see you here.""Could say the same." His eyes roamed over her, pausing briefly on the delicate necklace at her throat before returning to her gaze. There was something in his expression—something dark and focused—that made her pulse quicken.They stood there, the noise of the room fading as an unspoken tension simmered between them."You look..." Noah's voice trailed off as he hesitated as if choosing his words carefully. "Different."Stella raised an eyebrow, forcing herself to keep her expression calm. "Meaning?"His smirk returned, more subtle this time. "Just... grown-up."Her cheeks warmed, but she quickly covered it with a cool smile. "Well, I am an adult now, Noah. Not that you'd ever notice."He chuckled a low sound that sent an involuntary shiver down her spine. "Trust me, I noticed."They lapsed into silence, and she felt his gaze lingering, the weight of it both thrilling and frustrating. This wasn't how things were supposed to be. She wanted to stay detached, to keep him at arm's length. But somehow, being here with him made everything more complicated.As the night wore on, Stella tried to ignore the flutter in her stomach every time Noah appeared nearby. But it seemed he was everywhere—exchanging glances, leaning in close to make small comments, catching her gaze across the crowded room. It was like they were tethered by some invisible thread, drawn together despite the walls she tried to keep up.Just when she thought she might escape for a few minutes of peace, he cornered her by the balcony, blocking her exit with one arm resting casually against the wall."Noah, what are you—"He leaned in close, his voice low and filled with a dangerous kind of charm. "I was wondering if you'd finally admit it.""Admit what?" She frowned, her heart beating faster than she'd like."That you've been thinking about me." His voice was a teasing whisper, but the intensity in his gaze was all too real.She tried to laugh it off, but the sound died in her throat. "Don't flatter yourself, Dawson."His gaze flickered down to her lips, then back up to her eyes, his smirk widening. "Sure. Whatever you say, Wilhelm."Before she could muster a response, he straightened, leaving her breathless and flustered as he turned and walked away.As she watched him disappear into the crowd, Stella clenched her hands into fists, trying to regain control. She hated that he had this power over her, that he could make her feel so unsteady. But beneath the frustration, she knew one thing:This was far from over. And somehow, she wasn't sure she wanted it to be.The crowd pulsed around Stella, but she felt numb, lost in the tide of memory. The lingering intensity of Noah's gaze, the way he had cornered her on the balcony, every encounter now flaring to life in her mind. She had told herself she'd moved on, that he was a closed chapter. But now, her heart whispered otherwise....