Claiming The Unreachable Heiress

Chapter Three – The Engagement Party

The soft glow of fairy lights wrapped around the courtyard, music drifting lazily through the evening air. Ava stood near the champagne bar, a flute in hand, watching Jenna and Ethan float through the crowd like two people in their own dream.

She was happy for them — really, she was.

But she couldn’t help feeling a little out of place. Love wasn’t exactly her area of expertise.

“Ava Cole,” a familiar voice drawled from behind her, low and smooth. “Didn’t think you’d actually show up.”

She turned — and of course, it was him. Cassian Hale, looking effortlessly perfect in a dark navy suit, confidence rolling off him like he’d invented it.

“I don’t recall sending you my schedule,” Ava replied dryly.

He chuckled, swirling his drink. “You didn’t have to. Jenna mentioned her best friend was coming, and I figured you’d appear just to supervise everything.”

“Someone has to keep this event from turning into a circus,” she said, scanning the crowd.

Cassian smiled, leaning slightly closer. “So you like control.”

Ava’s eyes snapped to his, calm but sharp. “I like order.”

“Same thing,” he murmured, amused.

She sipped her champagne. “You seem to enjoy getting on people’s nerves.”

“Only yours,” he said easily.

Her brows lifted. “You say that like it’s a good thing.”

“It keeps things interesting.”

For a moment, their gazes locked — hers cool and unbothered, his teasing but oddly intent. The air between them hummed, subtle but real.

Then Ava broke it, setting down her glass. “Excuse me. Some of us have brides to assist.”

She walked away without waiting for a response, but she could feel his eyes follow her — steady, unreadable, a hint of a smile playing on his lips.

Later that night, Jenna caught Ava by the arm, her eyes sparkling.

“So?” she whispered. “What do you think of Cassian?”

“I think he talks too much,” Ava said simply.

Jenna laughed. “He’s interested in you.”

Ava rolled her eyes. “He’s interested in the idea of me. There’s a difference.”

“Uh-huh,” Jenna said knowingly. “Keep telling yourself that.”

Ava ignored her, though her thoughts betrayed her just a little. Cassian’s smirk. The calm in his voice. The way he didn’t seem to need attention — it just came tohim naturally.

She pushed the thought away almost immediately.

Men like him were distractions. And Ava Cole didn’t do distractions.