THE night of the gala came like a storm wrapped in gold.
Ryan had insisted they attend, the kind of event where networking was inevitable, and appearances were everything. Although Amelia had reluctantly agreed, her heart wasn’t in it. She dressed in a sleek, floor-length gown of emerald silk that shimmered under the lights. A pair of diamond studs twinkled in her ears, simple yet elegant. Her hair was swept into an effortless chignon that framed her face beautifully. Ryan, sharp in a black tuxedo with a satin bow tie, extended his hand as they stepped out of the car and into the glow of the venue.
The grand hall was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers cascaded light across the marbled floor, their brilliance reflecting off mirrored walls. The space hummed with soft classical music from a
