Xander's parents arrived with a slight delay, trailing behind a tall man whose very presence seemed to command silence. The man wore a sharp black suit, but it was the mask he wore that drew the most attention—a sleek, matte creation that covered the upper half of his face. Only his lips and piercing eyes were visible, and though no name was offered, whispers quickly spread that he was one of the elusive members of the family hosting the gala. Everyone had been wondering why none of the hosts had shown themselves earlier, and now, seeing him accompanied by none other than Xander's parents only amplified the unease in the room.
It was jarring for many. For years, Xander had handled the Volkov business empire entirely on his own. He was the face of it all—the youngest, most prominent CEO in their network. His parents, though known, rarely involved themselves in anything public. If any alliance with a major business family was to be forged tonight, everyone had expected Xander to handle it. No one could understand why his parents were now the ones escorting such a high-profile guest.
No one dared question it aloud, but the tension was palpable.
The Thornwell family soon approached—Lillianne's parents, gliding in their usual polished arrogance. It was impossible to miss how their glances kept veering toward Erin, eyes sharp with veiled disdain. From the way they huddled near Xander's parents, it was evident what the conversation was about. Their words weren't audible, but their expressions spoke volumes: confusion, insistence, and ultimately, frustration.
For a moment, Xander's jaw clenched. A flicker of worry passed through his eyes. He hated scenes like this—where everyone smiled through their teeth, manipulating each other under the guise of etiquette. He sensed trouble, and though he didn't flinch physically, Erin noticed the faint tension in his posture.
But then, something unexpected happened.
His mother stepped forward with a serene but authoritative expression. "We don't mind the partner Xander has chosen," she said clearly, her voice cutting through the ballroom like a bell. "As far as he loves her, and she makes him happy, he can choose whomever he wants."
The words made the entire room pause. "This is the 21st century. It's time we move past betrothals and political unions. The Volkov empire doesn't need outside investment, nor do we need to tether ourselves to another family for support. If my son is in love, then that is all that should matter."
A stunned silence followed. Even Xander turned slightly, visibly taken aback.
Erin felt her heart lurch. She hadn't expected anything like this. They were speaking of a relationship—as though it were already on the table. Her throat tightened, and all she could think was: what the hell is going on?
She didn't even know how to process it. No one had asked her opinion. No one cared what she felt. They were speaking about their "relationship" as if it were genuine, permanent, public—and she couldn't understand why his parents, who hadn't said a single word to her before, were suddenly supporting the idea so openly.
Something about it felt wrong.
It wasn't just the awkwardness of it. It was the speed, the certainty, and the complete lack of hesitation from Xander's parents. It made Erin's skin crawl. She remembered how, from the very beginning, she had found it strange how easily they'd hired her. No background checks. No interview. Nothing. They hadn't even blinked before accepting her as Xander's personal maid. At the time, she had brushed it off as luck—or maybe Xander being too powerful to be questioned—but now it felt deliberate. Calculated.
And now they were welcoming her as his future partner?
She didn't buy it.
Her stomach twisted as she looked at Xander. He wasn't saying anything either. Just standing there beside her, eyes distant, his usual composure visibly shaken. He hadn't expected this from his parents—Erin could tell. He looked like a man trying to catch up to the narrative that had suddenly veered off track.
Neither of them said a word.
They stood together in a strange, heavy silence. Him—troubled, confused, maybe even betrayed. Her—suspicious, overwhelmed, and trapped in a moment she didn't understand.
In the distance, music resumed. Glasses clinked. Conversations restarted, as if nothing had happened.
But for Xander and Erin, everything had shifted.