The gala stretched on longer than Chloe anticipated, every second feeling like an eternity under the weight of scrutiny. She kept her polite smile firmly in place as Sebastian guided her through introductions, the names and faces blurring into one indistinct mass of wealth and privilege.
"Sebastian, darling, you've been hiding her from us," purred a tall woman dripping in diamonds. She eyed Chloe with a practiced smile that didn't reach her eyes. "And here I thought you'd never settle down."
Chloe bristled at the implication but plastered on her own tight-lipped smile. "I suppose it takes someone very persistent to catch him," she said sweetly, earning a flicker of amusement from Sebastian.
The woman's gaze sharpened, but before she could respond, Sebastian deftly changed the subject. "Julia, how's the new expansion in Dubai? I hear it's been challenging."
Chloe marveled at his ability to redirect conversations, a skill that likely served him well in business. As the exchange continued, she excused herself to get some air, needing a moment away from the relentless chatter.
She slipped onto the balcony, the cool night air a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere inside. The city lights stretched out before her, glittering like a sea of stars.
"So, hiding already?"
Chloe turned to see Sebastian leaning casually against the doorframe, his tuxedo impeccable even at this late hour.
"Not hiding," she said, turning back to the view. "Just recharging. Your world is exhausting."
He stepped onto the balcony, his presence both commanding and oddly calming. "You're holding up better than most would."
Chloe laughed softly. "High praise from the great Sebastian Kane."
He didn't respond immediately, his gaze fixed on the skyline. When he finally spoke, his tone was softer than she'd ever heard it. "This world… it's a game. And if you don't play it, it eats you alive."
She glanced at him, surprised by the candidness. "Is that what happened to you? You learned to play the game?"
His jaw tightened, and for a moment, she thought he wouldn't answer. "Let's just say, I didn't have a choice."
Chloe wanted to press further, but the guarded look in his eyes stopped her. Instead, she said, "You know, you might actually be human under all that arrogance."
He smirked, the momentary vulnerability slipping away. "Don't get any ideas, Mrs. Kane."
She rolled her eyes, pushing past him back into the ballroom.
---
Later That Night
By the time they returned to the mansion, Chloe's feet were killing her, and her face hurt from forcing smiles. She kicked off her heels the moment they stepped inside, groaning in relief.
Sebastian raised an eyebrow. "Tough night?"
"Let's see," she said, ticking off on her fingers. "I got sized up, judged, and warned about how dangerous you are—all while wearing shoes that felt like medieval torture devices. So yeah, I'd call that a success."
His lips twitched in amusement. "You handled yourself well."
She frowned, caught off guard by the compliment. "Thanks… I guess."
They stood in silence for a moment, the tension from earlier lingering between them.
"Who was that woman at the gala?" Chloe finally asked.
Sebastian's brow furrowed. "Which one?"
"The brunette in red," Chloe said. "The one who warned me about you."
His expression darkened. "Victoria."
"Ex-girlfriend?" Chloe guessed.
"Ex-business partner," he corrected, his tone clipped. "And someone who doesn't know when to stay in her lane."
Chloe crossed her arms, studying him. "She seemed to think she knows you pretty well."
"She doesn't," Sebastian said firmly.
Chloe held his gaze, searching for cracks in his carefully constructed facade. "You're a hard man to figure out, you know that?"
"Good," he said, turning toward the stairs. "The less you know, the better."
Chloe watched him disappear up the staircase, frustration simmering in her chest. He was infuriating, guarded to the point of paranoia, but there was something about him—something beneath the cold exterior—that she couldn't ignore.
Whatever it was, she wasn't sure if she wanted to uncover it or run as far away as possible.
---