The party is still in full swing when I return to the ballroom. Jack is chatting with David at our table, both of them laughing over something I can’t hear from where I stand. The scene is warm, friendly, and exactly the kind of atmosphere I should be enjoying. But my mind keeps drifting to Jacob Sylvester and the ominous phone call I overheard.
As I approach, Jack’s gaze shifts to me, and his expression softens. “There you are,” he says, standing to pull out my chair. “I was starting to wonder if you got lost.”
“Just needed some air,” I reply with a faint smile. “The party’s lovely, but it’s a bit warm in here.”
David raises his glass toward me. “Smart thinking. These gatherings can get stuffy fast.”
I nod, sitting down beside Jack. He studies me for a moment, his brow furrowing sligh
