(JULIA POV)
The music swelled, champagne flutes clinked, and laughter spilled across the ballroom. Julia felt her pulse slam in her throat as Jake’s innocent voice echoed over the hum of conversation.
“Mom, isn’t this like the party you told Grandma about? The one where you met my dad?”
Her blood ran cold. She froze, willing the words to disappear, but it was too late.
Andrew Kane stood only a few feet away, one hand tucked in the pocket of his tailored suit, the other still mid-motion from waving off a guest. His expression shifted—shock first, then a flash of something that looked like recognition.
“What was that he just said?” His voice was quiet, but it cut through the air like a sharp blade.
Julia’s heart lurched. “Andrew—”
“Don’t.” His eyes locked onto hers, burning, unreadabl
