Ariana stepped onto the grand balcony, the cool night air brushing against her skin as she exhaled softly. The city lights stretched out before her like a sea of shimmering stars, a stark contrast to the suffocating opulence of the ballroom. She needed a moment to think, to strategize.
Ethan Blackwood was her key to uncovering the secrets she needed. He was a man who never wasted his time on trivial matters, which meant his interest in Lucas wasn't just casual acquaintance. There was history there—dark, complicated history.
She was certain of it.
But Ethan wouldn't give her information easily. He was playing his own game, and if she wanted to win, she needed to understand what he wanted in return.
Suddenly Teddy came, floating just above her shoulder, let out a dramatic sigh. "Well, well, well, if this isn't turning into the most deliciously scandalous evening. Dancing with the city's most enigmatic billionaire? Earning glares from your ex and his little minion? Oh, Ariana, my dear, you do know how to put on a show."
Ariana smirked, subtly adjusting her bracelet. "You think so?"
Teddy flipped midair, crossing his tiny arms. "Absolutely. But let's talk about the real highlight of the evening—Mr. Ethan Blackwood. Did you see how he looked at you? If I had a heart, I'd say the man was intrigued."
Ariana rolled her eyes. "Ethan is a businessman. Everything he does is calculated."
Teddy wiggled his eyebrows. "Then you two are perfect for each other."
She swatted at him playfully. "I don't have time for your matchmaking nonsense. I have a mission."
Teddy sighed dramatically. "Yes, yes. Mission: Expose Lucas and Sophia. I'm well aware."
The sound of approaching footsteps echoed.
"You know, standing alone on a balcony at a gala is a classic move. Should I be worried?"
She turned to see Ethan Blackwood leaning casually against the railing, a glass of whiskey in his hand.
Ariana smirked. "Should I be worried that you followed me?"
Ethan took a slow sip of his drink. "Who says I followed you?"
Teddy floated beside her, whispering in her ear, "He totally followed you."
Ariana ignored him, keeping her eyes on Ethan. "You're avoiding my question, Mr. Blackwood."
Ethan chuckled. "And you're avoiding mine."
She tilted her head. "You're right. Let's just call it a coincidence, then."
Ethan smiled, but his eyes held that same unreadable intensity. "Very well. A coincidence."
Ariana leaned against the railing, watching the city lights twinkle in the distance. Then, in a softer tone, she said, "Tell me something, Mr.Blackwood. You said Lucas isn't who I think he is. What did you mean?"
Ethan swirled his whiskey, watching the liquid move before meeting her gaze. "Let's just say Lucas isn't as loyal as he pretends to be."
Ariana's fingers tightened against the cool metal railing. "Loyal to whom?"
Ethan smirked. "That's the real question, isn't it?"
Teddy, still hovering beside her, groaned. "Ugh, he's doing that infuriatingly mysterious thing again."
Ariana exhaled. "You enjoy being cryptic, don't you?"
Ethan took another sip. "Only when it keeps things interesting."
Ariana stepped closer. "You know what they did, don't you?"
Ethan's smirk faltered just slightly, but it was enough.
"You're asking a lot of interesting questions, Miss Carter," he said, his voice quieter now.
Ariana met his gaze, unflinching. "I like to know who my enemies are."
Ethan smirked, though there was something almost predatory in his expression now. "So do I."
Silence stretched between them again. This time, it was heavier. Ariana could feel the weight of the conversation shifting, the air around them thick with unspoken truths.
She needed to push further, but Ethan wasn't going to crack this easily.
"What did Lucas do to you?" she asked outright.
Ethan studied her, his gray eyes searching. Then, in a move that caught her off guard, he stepped closer. Not threateningly, but enough that she had to tilt her head to keep eye contact.
"You don't want to get involved in this," he murmured.
Ariana lifted a brow. "I already am.You have information. Something that could ruin them."
Ethan was silent for a long moment, then finally said, "And if I do?"
Ariana held his gaze. "Then I want to know."
Ethan let out a quiet chuckle. "You don't back down easily, do you?"
Teddy piped up, "Oh, you have no idea."
Ethan's eyes flickered toward the floating creature before returning to Ariana. "Fine. I'll make you a deal."
Ariana crossed her arms. "I'm listening."
Ethan leaned in slightly, his voice a low murmur. "You want to know the truth about Lucas and Sophia? Earn it."
Ariana raised an eyebrow. "And how exactly do I do that?"
Ethan's smirk returned. "Impress me."
Teddy gasped. "Oh, this just got very interesting."
Ariana, despite herself, smiled. "Challenge accepted."
Before ethan could respond, a familiar voice called them out.
"Ariana, there you are!"
Ariana turned to see Mia, her best friend, approaching with a bright smile.
Ethan took a step back, the spell between them broken.
"I should let you enjoy the rest of your evening," he said smoothly. "But if you ever want to have another interesting conversation, Miss Carter, you know where to find me."
Ariana watched as he walked away, disappearing back into the ballroom.
Mia frowned. "Was that Ethan Blackwood?"
Ariana nodded slowly.
Mia let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh my God, he's so hot."
Ariana chuckled. "He's also very dangerous."
Mia wiggled her eyebrows. "Even better."
Ariana rolled her eyes but couldn't deny that the encounter with Ethan had left her unsettled.
Lucas wasn't just some ex-boyfriend with commitment issues.
Sophia wasn't just a spoiled, manipulative cousin.
There was something deeper going on.
And Ethan Blackwood had just confirmed it.
The only question now was—what were they hiding?
And how far was Ariana willing to go to find out?
One thing was certain.
This was only the beginning.