Chris weaved through the ballroom with practiced ease, blending into the background like a ghost. The elites laughed, drank, and made business deals over champagne, unaware that the real power in the room wasn't on their guest list.
Ethan, now standing near one of the high-profile businessmen, kept his expression neutral as he casually observed Chris at work.
Chris set down an empty glass on a tray and made his way toward the balcony doors, careful not to attract too much attention. But before he could slip away, a voice stopped him.
"You."
Chris turned to find Damian Kingsley standing a few feet away, his sharp gaze analyzing him.
"You again," Damian mused, stepping closer. His expensive suit and confident posture made it clear he was used to being in control. "You move differently from the other staff."
Chris met his gaze calmly, his expression unreadable. "I do my job well."
Damian let out a quiet chuckle. "That's not what I meant." He tilted his head slightly. "Have we met before?"
Chris smirked faintly. "I don't think so."
Damian studied him for a moment longer, then exhaled. "Strange. For some reason, you remind me of someone."
Chris simply gave a polite nod and turned to leave.
But as he walked away, he could feel Damian still watching him.
---
Skylar's Suspicion Grows
Skylar excused herself from the dance floor as soon as Damian was distracted. Her gaze immediately found Chris, who had just slipped onto the balcony.
She hesitated for a moment, then followed.
The cool night air brushed against her skin as she stepped outside. Chris stood by the railing, hands resting against it as he stared out at the city skyline.
"You're lying to me," she said softly.
Chris didn't turn immediately. Instead, he let out a quiet chuckle. "That's a bold accusation."
"You expect me to believe you're just some worker?" Skylar stepped closer. "Chris, you don't act like a worker. You don't even act like someone uncomfortable in a place like this. You walk like you belong."
Chris finally turned to face her. His usual easygoing expression was still there, but there was something guarded in his eyes.
"Maybe I just know how to adapt," he said smoothly.
Skylar crossed her arms. "And maybe you're not who you pretend to be."
For a long moment, neither of them spoke.
Then Chris leaned slightly toward her, his voice dropping to a near whisper.
"If that were true," he murmured, "would you really want to know?"
Skylar faltered. The way he said it—like a challenge, like a warning—sent a shiver down her spine.
Before she could respond, the balcony doors opened again.
Ethan stepped out.
"Chris," Ethan said, his tone even, but there was something beneath it. A silent signal.
Chris straightened. "Break time's over, I take it?"
Ethan gave a small nod. "Time to go."
Skylar glanced between them. Something about Ethan felt different from the rest of the staff. He wasn't just some worker.
Chris smirked slightly at her, as if reading her thoughts. "See you around, Skylar."
And with that, he walked away, Ethan right beside him.
Skylar stood there, watching as they disappeared back into the crowd.
Her heart pounded.
Something wasn't right.
And she was going to figure out what.