Hazel's POV
"Smile," Julian murmured against my ear, his hand steady at the small of my back. "Whatever happens tonight, we do not let her see us afraid."
I forced my lips into a practiced smile as we crossed the theater lobby, cameras flashing around us, the crowd murmuring appreciatively at the restored gold ceiling and the polished marble floor beneath our feet.
"Grace is with the security team," Vivian said quietly, appearing at my elbow. "Third row, exactly where we agreed. Adrian is watching the east entrance personally."
"How many guards," Julian asked quietly, his eyes still scanning the crowd even as he smiled politely toward a passing donor.
"Six inside, four outside," Vivian said. "Diane insisted on doubling the usual detail after everything with Lena."
"And Lena," I asked
