The ballroom was filled with people from every corner of power and influence. Billionaires, politicians, celebrities, investors, and socialites mingled beneath glittering crystal chandeliers while servers moved gracefully through the crowd carrying trays of champagne. Soft music floated through the air, but the moment Alexander and Elena stepped through the grand entrance, everything seemed to pause.
Conversations died. The room seemed to freeze completely and heads turned to where they were both walking from.
Elena felt the weight of hundreds of stares immediately. Some were curious. Some were surprised. Others were openly judgmental.
For a second, her confidence almost cracked.
Then she felt Alexander’s hand settle firmly against the small of her back.
The simple gesture grounded he
