The Phoenix Secret

Chapter 5: The Meeting.

"Elena Hayes, isn't it?"

Elena, standing close to the refreshment table, whirling her unopened glass of champagne, was startled by the voice. She looked up and tightened her hold on the stem, but it wasn't him. Not quite yet.

The lady in front of her gestured toward the picture of a lone lighthouse and rolling waves that were hanging on the distant wall with a loving grin. "Your creations are amazing. The water itself seems to be in grief, such is the depth of emotion in that composition.

Elena smiled courteously. "I'm grateful. It's one of my older works.

Elena's eyes kept wandering around the packed room as the lady went on to praise her artwork. Since the announcement of the Blackwood Foundation's name at the beginning of the gala, she had been tense. She could sense Victor's shadow hanging over her even though she hadn't yet seen him.

Adrian then pulled at her gown. "Mommy, I’m hungry."

His big, inquisitive eyes made Elena's heart melt as she dropped down to his level. "All right, my love. Let's look for something for you.

Elena led Adrian to the buffet as the lady excused herself. She made an effort to concentrate on him, the way his little hand slipped into hers, the naive joy on his face, but her anxiety would not calm.

Then she sensed it.

A change in the space.

Whispers and fleeting glances took the place of the soft hum of conversation. Elena knew what—or rather, who—had created the commotion without having to look back.

It was Victor Blackwood.

She forced herself to be composed as she squeezed Adrian's hand, her breath catching.

"Mom?" Adrian frowned as he gazed up at her. "Are you alright?"

Her voice faltered as she said, "I'm fine, darling." "Alright, let's get you some food."

However, Elena felt the pressure of a strong, unyielding stare on her back as they arrived at the buffet. She was unable to resist looking over her shoulder.

And there he was.

As if they had just met, Victor stood at the edge of the throng, staring at her with his intense blue eyes. There was a spark of something she couldn't identify—perhaps astonishment or curiosity—but his countenance was inscrutable.

Elena's heart thumping, she hastily looked aside. She prayed and hoped that she would be able to get away with it. However, destiny had other ideas.

Victor had no intention of attending the event. He was virtually pulled here by his secretary, who assured him that the featured musician tonight would be worth his time.

He had not anticipated seeing *her*.

He paused to take in what he was seeing. Elena was the lady near the buffet table, her chestnut-brown hair gleaming in the sunlight. However, she was unique.

The Elena he recalled was shy and frail, her brightness often eclipsed by his passion. However, the lady in front of him suddenly exuded confidence, her hazel eyes full of purpose.

The child at her side caught his attention.

Victor's eyes remained fixed on the youngster, whose delicate features and black hair contrasted sharply with his vivid blue eyes. Those eyes... they evoked a deep-seated recollection in Victor.

He scowled. No, that is not possible. Elena had been...

The idea was too crazy to consider, so he shook his head. However, as he observed her, a persistent suspicion started to grow.

"Mr. Blackwood?" His thoughts were interrupted by the voice of his helper. "Do you want me to present the artist to you?"

Victor took a while to respond. Rather, he gave her his drink and started walking in Elena's direction, taking slow, deliberate steps.

Victor came closer, and Elena's heartbeat accelerated. She had averted her eyes, concentrating on Adrian, but now she couldn't ignore him. He halted a few steps away, his powerful presence dominating the surrounding area.

His voice was pleasant, but it had a biting edge. "Elena," he continued.

She stood up straight, looking into his eyes with more poise than she really had. "Winner."

With the weight of their common past bearing down on them like a thunder cloud, a tight stillness descended between them.

Finally, Victor added in a tone that was deceptively informal, "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Likewise," Elena said, her voice firm in spite of her internal turmoil.

Adrian was preoccupied looking at the food on his plate when Victor's gaze shifted to his. "Who is this?"

Elena's heart stopped beating. She put her hand on Adrian's shoulder out of habit and feigned a smile. "This is Adrian."

As he spoke to the youngster, Victor lowered himself a little and softened his eyes. "Hi, Adrian. What is your age?

Adrian looked from Victor to Elena and back again. "Four."

Victor stood up straight, his face inscrutable. four years old. Something deep within him was pulled by the time, but he brushed the idea aside. It was not feasible.

With a reserved tone, he added, "Nice to meet you, Adrian."

With a bashful grin, the child went back to eating.

Victor narrowed his eyes and returned his focus to Elena. "We must speak."

"That's not a good idea," Elena answered hastily.

Victor stepped forward, his voice low. "I believe it is essential."

Evelyn interrupted the tense moment by appearing next to Elena before she could reply.

"There you are, Elena," she said with joy. "The director of the gallery would like to present you to a few collectors."

Elena took advantage of the situation. "Obviously. I apologize, Victor.

Her pulse pounding, she grabbed Adrian's hand and followed Evelyn into the mob without waiting for a reply.

However, she could feel Victor's eyes lingering and his suspicions deepening even as she moved away from him.

Victor's thoughts were racing as he watched her go. Those eyes and the boy's age both tore at him, demanding attention. He would not give up until he got the answers he sought.

With hesitation, his assistant said, "Mr. Blackwood?" "Is everything okay?"

Victor remained silent. His gaze remained focused on Elena's slipping form.

He would find out whatever secrets she was concealing.

regardless of the price.