Chapter 4
1131 Words
Leona had coordinated enough high-profile events to know that appearances were everything.
It didn’t matter that she had just discovered her boyfriend cheating on her. It didn’t matter that she had punched him square in his lying mouth. It definitely didn’t matter that she had just kissed one of the most powerful men in New York under the mistletoe like some cliché romance heroine.
What mattered was that the Aurelius Hotel ballroom was still her event. Her responsibility.
So as she walked through the glittering crowd, chin high and expression composed, she ignored the way her stomach still twisted in knots. She ignored the curious glances thrown her way, the murmured voices discussing that kiss. She ignored the very presence of Ian Caldwell, lurking somewhere in the room like a ghost she wasn’t quite ready to confront.
Instead, she focused on the one thing she could control—making sure this gala didn’t implode.
And if she happened to get distracted by the way Rhyder Vale’s gaze still lingered on her from across the room?
Well. That was nobody’s business but her own.
—
The VIP Lounge
“Okay,” Maya said, practically bouncing on her heels as she followed Leona into the private lounge reserved for high-profile guests. “That was probably the single most entertaining moment of my entire year.”
Leona sighed, running a hand through her hair. “Maya—”
“I mean, I knew this gala was going to be good, but that? That was cinematic.”
Leona gave her a look. “If you’re done reveling in my public humiliation—”
“Humiliation?” Maya gasped dramatically. “Girl, that was a win. You caught your garbage ex red-handed, punched him in his smug face, and then kissed a billionaire under the mistletoe. That’s a power move.”
Leona groaned. “It was not a power move. It was a momentary lapse in judgment.”
Maya shrugged. “Same thing.”
Before Leona could argue further, another familiar voice chimed in from behind her.
“Well, well. If it isn’t New York’s most talked-about woman.”
Leona turned, already bracing herself for trouble.
And sure enough, standing there in a sleek emerald gown, a flute of champagne in one manicured hand, was none other than Selene Hathaway.
Fantastic.
Selene was technically an industry peer—a luxury event planner in the same social circles as Leona. But in reality? She was more of a competitive nuisance. The type who smiled sweetly while subtly sabotaging your vendors behind the scenes.
Leona gave her a tight smile. “Selene.”
Selene took a slow sip of her champagne, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Darling, I simply must know—was that mistletoe kiss a PR stunt? Because if so, brilliantly executed.”
Leona fought the urge to roll her eyes. “It wasn’t a stunt.”
Selene gasped, placing a hand over her heart in exaggerated surprise. “Gasp! So it was real? Scandalous.”
Maya muttered under her breath, “Someone’s salty she didn’t get kissed by a billionaire tonight.”
Leona smirked. “I assure you, it was nothing more than a… festive coincidence.”
Selene pursed her lips. “Mmhmm. Well, whatever it was, the internet loves it. You and Mr. Vale are already trending.”
Leona groaned. “Oh, for the love of—”
Maya pulled out her phone and gasped. “Holy s**t, she’s right. ‘#MistletoeGate’ is everywhere.”
Selene grinned, delighted. “Oh, I do love a good viral moment.”
Leona exhaled sharply. “Wonderful. Just what I needed tonight.”
Selene’s expression turned slightly more… predatory. “And speaking of things you need… I heard about your little relationship hiccup.”
Leona’s entire body tensed. “Selene—”
“You poor thing.” Selene’s tone was laced with false sympathy. “Ian Caldwell, of all people? And with Rachel?” She clicked her tongue. “What a cliché.”
Maya narrowed her eyes. “Wow. You almost sounded genuine there.”
Leona, on the other hand, refused to take the bait. She just smiled, all politeness and steel. “I appreciate your concern, Selene, but I assure you—I’m perfectly fine.”
Selene’s gaze flickered with something unreadable. Then, with a little smirk, she tilted her head.
“Well, in that case… I hope you enjoy the rest of your night.”
And with that, she turned and sauntered off, her designer heels clicking against the marble floors.
Maya let out a low whistle. “God, she’s exhausting.”
Leona exhaled. “Tell me about it.”
Maya looped her arm through Leona’s. “Come on. Let’s go pretend to enjoy this party while silently judging everyone.”
Leona let out a small laugh. “Best idea you’ve had all night.”
—
Meanwhile, Across the Ballroom…
Rhyder Vale was used to being the center of attention.
He just didn’t like it.
He had spent years mastering the art of appearing engaged while actually being bored out of his mind. It was a necessary skill when you were the heir to a multi-billion-dollar empire.
So when the city’s most powerful CEOs and socialites hovered around him, laughing at jokes he barely listened to, he simply nodded, sipped his whiskey, and let his mind drift.
But tonight… something was different.
Or rather, someone.
Because no matter how hard he tried to focus on anything else, his gaze kept drifting back to one particular woman across the room.
Leona Everhart.
The event planner who had just kissed him.
Rhyder smirked to himself.
She had been unexpected.
Not just the kiss—though, damn, that had been something—but her.
He had expected her to be like every other event planner he’d dealt with—polished, poised, a little too eager to impress. But instead, she had met him with sharp wit and fire in her eyes. She hadn’t fawned over him. Hadn’t tried to charm him.
And that?
That made her infinitely more interesting.
“She’s something, isn’t she?”
Rhyder turned slightly, raising an eyebrow as Evelyn Vale—his grandmother, the only family he had left—joined him, a glass of wine in her hand.
He exhaled a quiet chuckle. “You’ve been watching.”
Evelyn sipped her wine. “Everyone’s been watching, darling.”
Rhyder smirked. “And what’s your verdict?”
Evelyn hummed thoughtfully. “She’s… intriguing.” Then, with a knowing glint in her eye, she added, “I assume you won’t be letting her slip away unnoticed tonight.”
Rhyder took another sip of his drink, gaze lingering on Leona’s figure as she laughed at something Maya had said.
His smirk deepened.
“Oh, absolutely not.”
- Writer
