The gala was in full swing—an extravagant display of wealth and power. Crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over the ballroom, and the scent of expensive champagne mixed with the faint traces of designer perfumes. Jessica moved through the crowd effortlessly, the deep emerald-green dress hugging her curves like a second skin. Heads turned as she passed, but she wasn't thinking about them.She was thinking about him.Aiden.For days, he had been distant, cold, watching her but refusing to acknowledge it. Their arguments had escalated at work, turning from professional debates into personal battles laced with underlying tension. But tonight? Tonight, he was pretending she didn't exist.Fine. Two could play that game.Jessica smiled at Ethan, who stood beside her, looking effortlessly handsome in his tailored suit. It felt…strange, having him here. A ghost from her past, a reminder of everything she once wanted. But as she looked into his warm brown eyes, she realized something—he wasn't the one who made her heart race anymore.Ethan lifted his glass, grinning. "To reconnecting?"Jessica hesitated for a moment before clinking her glass against his. "To reconnecting."Aiden was across the room, his body rigid, his jaw clenched so tight it looked like stone. He had been watching the entire exchange. The way Jessica leaned into Ethan's touch, the way Ethan tucked a strand of hair behind her ear—it was driving him insane.He downed his drink in one swallow, his fingers tightening around the glass so hard it nearly shattered.And then, when Ethan reached out to touch Jessica's waist—he snapped.The crowd barely had time to react before Aiden stormed across the ballroom, grabbing Jessica's wrist in a bruising grip."What the hell are you doing?" he growled, his voice sharp enough to cut glass.Jessica blinked up at him, startled. "Excuse me?"Aiden yanked her closer, his face mere inches from hers. "Are you seriously standing here, flirting with him like a damn fool?"A hush fell over the room. People were watching.Jessica's heart pounded, a mix of anger and something far more dangerous. "Let go of me, Aiden."But he didn't. If anything, his grip tightened. "You think this is funny? You think you can just—"Ethan stepped forward, his jaw set. "She told you to let her go."Aiden turned, eyes dark and lethal. "And who the hell are you to tell me anything?"The tension in the room reached a boiling point. The cold, controlled billionaire was unraveling, publicly, over her.Jessica ripped her wrist free, shoving him back. "You don't own me, Aiden! I can talk to whoever I damn well please."Aiden's chest rose and fell rapidly. "You think I don't know what you're doing? You're trying to piss me off. You want my attention? Congratulations—you have it."Jessica's face burned with frustration. He was jealous. He was angry. But he still wouldn't admit why."Newsflash, Aiden—I don't need your attention," she snapped. "I am not your plaything. I am not your employee right now. And I sure as hell am not your problem."Silence.Everyone was staring.Aiden's gaze flickered, something dangerous flashing behind his eyes. And then—he laughed.A slow, dark chuckle that sent chills down Jessica's spine."You think you're done with me, sweetheart?" He leaned down, whispering just loud enough for her to hear. "You have no idea what I'm willing to do to keep you exactly where I want you."Jessica swallowed hard, every nerve in her body on fire. "You're insane."Aiden smirked. "And you love it."Then he turned and walked away, leaving Jessica standing in the middle of the ballroom with her heart racing and her entire world shifting beneath her feet.