Ravenna hadn't spoken all morning.
Not to the housekeeper, who yanked open her curtains with the same bitterness as always and her never changing sour expression.
Not to Selene, who had passed by her in the hall–her stilettos in action and her luxury scent–with a sharp smile and a colder shove.
And definitely not to Adrien—who she hadn't seen around since the night of the party.
The silence weighed more than words could.
She sat at the vanity in the guest room—her room—hands trembling slightly as she twisted her hair into a soft knot. Her fingers had grown pale with tension. The scent of perfume hung in the air like a ghost she couldn't wash off. She had barely slept since the last time Adrien touched her wrist… and pulled her from the living room like she was nothing but property.
Selene's words from that night echoed in her head:
"A man like Adrien doesn't keep strays. You're just a temporary charity case."
Ravenna blinked quickly. She wasn't going to cry. Not now.
There was a knock on her door, not a polite one. She knew who it was even without hearing her voice–the housekeeper again.
She walked in without waiting for an instruction and then placed a dress on the bed right before Ravenna "You're expected downstairs in thirty. Master Adrien wants everyone looking perfect." said the housekeeper and with that she walked off without waiting for an answer.
Ravenna turned to look at the gown laid out for her—another cold gesture from Adrien. It was deep emerald green, silky with a slit that whispered danger. It was the kind of dress that made a woman unforgettable. The kind Selene would definitely hate her in.
But she wore it anyway.
---
Adrien's pov
The penthouse was already humming when she arrived. Cigars, jazz, and glasses clinking. Adrien stood near the balcony—black suit, no tie, top buttons open. Effortless and dangerous. A magnet in a room full of steel.
And beside him was a lady, Selene. She was clad in crimson, like fire set to gasoline. Her arm looped around his, lips close to his ear, trying her best to please Adrien. But he wasn't listening. His eyes wandered.
He said nothing but his eyes kept searching–why? Adrien didn't know, but he just couldn't help it. And finally his eyes rested on her. Speechless. Though he had guessed her size, it was a perfect fit. Her cleavage fit perfectly, the gown hugging her curves and the slit complimenting it all. He gave no sign.
But she felt it. The way his jaw flexed. The pulse in his temple. He watched her walk across the room like she had just stepped into his territory.
And maybe she had.
She reached the bar and kept her back to him. Her heart raced.
"Whiskey," she told the bartender. "Neat."
She took the first sip too fast. It burned—but in a way she welcomed. Adrien still staring, his eyes following her every movement
Behind her, the music changed. Softer now. And then she heard a voice behind her
"Didn't expect you to clean up so well."
It was a smooth, male voice, like the sound of a harp.
She turned to find a familiar face. Dark hair, expensive shoes, nerdy glasses.
She gave a polite nod and tried to turn back, although the man seemed really familiar, she had one goal tonight and that was to stay invisible
But he didn't get the hint.
"You here with someone?" he asked, drunken eyes trailing where they shouldn't.
Ravenna stiffened. "Yes."
"That so?" he smirked, not believing her. "Doesn't look like he's paying much attention."
Ravenna gripped the glass harder.
And unfortunately, Selene was watching. So were others. Adrien face turned sour at the sight of the scene
Her nerves were fraying fast. She tried walking away, he followed.
And then he gripped her waist.
She jerked away, but it was too late.
Adrien was already there.
It happened in a blur. One moment the man was grinning—and the next, Adrien's hand cracked across his face. The sound turned heads, silenced conversation.
The man stumbled, blood at his lip. Adrien didn't stop there.
His voice was low, venomous. "Touch her again, and I'll break every bone in your hand."
The man scrambled away, stumbling toward the exit.
Ravenna stood frozen, breath caught in her throat. The room buzzed around them again, tension thick.
Adrien turned to her, face unreadable.
"You've had enough drinks," he said coldly. "Come with me."
Ravenna's eyes widened. "Adrien, I didn't—"
"I said, now."
He didn't wait. Just walked away.
She followed him up the marble stairs, heart pounding. Selene's eyes burned into her back.
When they reached the upper corridor, Adrien spun around, trapping her between the wall and his chest.
"Is that how you handle attention now?" he hissed. "Letting strangers touch you anywhere they like"
"I didn't let him—"
"You wore that dress and thought they wouldn't look?"
The accusation stung. Her fists clenched at her sides. "You're the one who bought the damn dress!" she retorted lifting her chin high
He paused. Just briefly. His lips parted like he might say something else—something real—but he caught himself.
"You're mine while you're under this roof," he growled. "And no one touches what's mine."
Ravenna's breath hitched. "Then stop treating me like garbage."
Adrien's eyes darkened. The tension between them sparked dangerously. For one terrible second, she thought he might kiss her.
Instead, he stepped back.
"I've got guests to deal with," he muttered. "Stay in this room. I don't want to see you again tonight."
He walked off without another word.
Ravenna slowly sank to the floor, knees trembling, hands in her lap.
She didn't cry.
Not yet.
But she knew it was coming.