Chapter 18: The Velvet Box
594 Words
The applause faded as the orchestra began playing another lively melody.
The charity gala continued as if nothing unusual had happened.
Guests laughed.
Business partners exchanged conversations.
Employees enjoyed the elegant evening.
Yet for Adrian Montenegro...
The celebration no longer held his attention.
---
Adrian's POV
His eyes instinctively searched the ballroom.
They found Sofia almost immediately.
She was speaking with Mia, Jenny, Ethan, and Daniel near the dessert table.
Daniel said something that made everyone laugh.
Sofia smiled brightly.
Adrian frowned without realizing it.
"Does she always smile like that around him?"
Before he could think further, Chloe quietly walked beside him.
"You've been staring again."
Adrian didn't even bother denying it.
"I'm observing the guests."
Chloe chuckled.
"You've been observing one guest all night."
Adrian remained silent.
She looked toward Sofia before smiling knowingly.
"You should've asked her."
"I know."
The words escaped Adrian's lips before he could stop them.
Chloe's eyebrows lifted.
"Oh?"
"So you admit it."
Adrian sighed softly.
"...I was too late."
For the first time that evening...
The great Adrian Montenegro admitted a mistake.
Not in business.
But in love.
---
Sofia's POV
The dance with Daniel had finally ended.
As she returned to her friends, Ethan crossed his arms dramatically.
"Well..."
"I think someone enjoyed that dance."
Daniel scratched the back of his head awkwardly.
"It was just one dance."
Jenny laughed.
"Look who's blushing."
Daniel immediately denied it.
"I'm not."
"You are."
The group burst into laughter.
Even Sofia couldn't stop herself from smiling.
The warmth of the moment made her forget the strange message from earlier.
At least...
For a little while.
---
A hotel attendant suddenly approached Sofia.
"Excuse me, Miss Reyes."
"Yes?"
"This was left for you."
The attendant carefully handed her a small navy-blue velvet box.
"It's from a gentleman who requested that it be delivered after the dance."
Sofia's smile disappeared.
"My name wasn't mentioned?"
The attendant shook his head.
"I'm sorry, Miss."
"He left immediately."
A strange silence settled over the group.
Ethan looked at the box.
"...Don't tell me."
Mia swallowed nervously.
"Another gift?"
Daniel frowned.
"Should we open it?"
Sofia hesitated.
Then slowly lifted the lid.
Inside...
Rested a delicate silver bracelet.
A tiny charm shaped like a white rose hung from it.
Beneath the bracelet was another folded note.
Her hands trembled as she unfolded the paper.
> You looked beautiful tonight.
> Even from a distance...
> You still recognized my heart.
Everyone fell silent.
Daniel looked around.
"Who keeps sending these?"
Mia unconsciously moved closer to Sofia.
Jenny whispered,
"This is getting scary."
---
Adrian's POV
From across the ballroom, Adrian had witnessed everything.
The velvet box.
The bracelet.
The note.
His jaw tightened.
Without saying a word, he walked toward the hotel manager.
"I need to review every security camera."
"Immediately."
The manager straightened.
"Yes, Mr. Montenegro."
"No one leaves the hotel until we've checked the footage."
The manager quickly relayed the order to the security team.
Several guards quietly headed toward the exits.
Adrian's expression darkened.
"Whoever you are...
"You're not leaving tonight."
---
Unknown POV
Outside the hotel...
A black sedan slowly pulled away from the entrance.
Inside, a man sat quietly in the back seat.
He watched the glowing ballroom through the tinted window.
The driver spoke.
"Should we return, sir?"
The man gave one last glance toward the hotel.
His lips curved into a faint smile.
"Not yet."
"She's beginning to notice."
The sedan disappeared into the night.
Unaware that inside the hotel...
Someone had already begun hunting for him.
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