"Let's go, the party's about to start," Zion said with a grin, lifting his glass as he motioned toward the main hall.
Everyone drifted together in a loose group, following the current of guests toward the glittering heart of the venue. The chandeliers blazed above, scattering golden light across polished marble floors.
"—Welcome our star of the night, Mr. William!" the host announced, his voice booming through the hall. Applause rippled immediately, polite yet thunderous, echoing against the high ceilings.
Bella clapped along with the crowd, but her hands froze mid-motion when her eyes landed on the man descending the grand, curved staircase. Her breath caught.
William sir.
Her stomach dropped. Cold panic slipped through her veins. She had been careless—so careless. She should have checked the details of this party before agreeing to come. Now, here he was, the very man she had met in secret, the one who had entrusted her with his dangerous project.
