Clara
I thought the receiving line would be the worst of it. I was wrong.
Sebastian and I had barely reached the bar when William Kingsley appeared at our side, Ethan trailing a step behind him with a glass of scotch he wasn't drinking, and I understood, with a sinking feeling, that the universe wasn't finished with me tonight.
"Sebastian, Clara." William's smile was warm, oblivious to whatever current ran beneath the surface of this gathering. "I wanted to properly introduce you both to Ethan, given how central the Ashford partnership will be to his portfolio going forward. I understand you've already exchanged pleasantries in the line, but I think a proper conversation is overdue."
"Of course," Sebastian said smoothly, extending his hand again, though I could feel him watching Ethan
