The ballroom was a masterpiece of controlled chaos. Every movement in this room was a transaction, every smile a potential liability. Bella glided through the throngs of socialites, her presence commanding enough that even the most powerful pack elders found themselves yielding space as she passed.
Ethan remained at her shoulder, his presence a silent, lethal promise. He was the perfect counterpart to her grace—a man who radiated raw, untamed power tempered by absolute restraint.
"The charcoal suit is heading to the side lounge," Ethan murmured, his voice barely a breath against the ambient swell of the orchestra. "If we catch him there, we can force the council’s hand on the regional timber rights before the morning board meeting."
Bella offered him a small, conspiratorial smile. "I lo
