The Oceanus was a floating palace. At four hundred feet long, Julian’s new superyacht was a masterpiece of modern engineering and obscene wealth. Tonight, it served as the venue for the official celebration of the Vanguard-Thorne alliance.
I stood on the upper deck, the salty ocean breeze playing with the hem of my emerald green silk dress. The party below was in full swing. Billionaires, politicians, and celebrities mingled under the soft glow of string lights, sipping champagne and dancing to a live jazz band.
"You look a million miles away," a deep voice murmured.
I turned and smiled as Julian walked up beside me, handing me a glass of sparkling water. He looked impossibly handsome in a navy blue tuxedo, the dark color bringing out the storm in his eyes.
"Just taking it all in," I r
