The more Elena thought about it, the more convinced she became that there was only one possible explanation. Their acquaintance was barely more than a chance encounter, and they certainly weren't close enough to justify such extraordinary effort. Yet Damien had appeared in person tonight, crossing half the world to attend this banquet. To Elena, that could only mean he was extending a rare gesture of respect—one that signaled she held a place of importance in his eyes.
The realization sent an unexpected warmth through her chest, impossible to suppress.
Beside her, Damien noticed the thoughtful expression lingering on her face. It reminded him of the message she had sent the previous evening.
For perhaps the first time in years, he had found himself staring at a text without knowing how
