I hadn't had a chance to ask what he meant before my gaze drifted to the center of the ballroom, where a crowd had gathered in a tight circle around Lyla and Julian.
A single spotlight snapped on, illuminating the pair as if they were the stars of a fairytale, a prince and his chosen princess.
As more guests crowded around to watch, Lyla looped her arm through Julian's possessively, pressing herself close to his side, and he didn't pull away—instead, he smiled down at her softly, a warm, fake expression meant for the crowd.
They were making a statement, loud and clear—Julian had moved on to a new partner, and Lyla had landed the wealthy suitor she'd always craved.
The entire room watched, whispers spreading through the crowd like wildfire.
Julian's eyes flicked away from Lyla and lock
