Sebastian inclined his head, a slight, appreciative smile on his lips as he took her in. He noticed a subtle difference in her manner tonight—something softer, almost inviting, which contrasted with her usual edge of icy disdain. It was enough to make him pause, just for a beat, as he met her gaze, intrigued by the glint in her eyes. This wasn’t the woman who normally stood before him, bristling with resentment. Tonight, there was a new layer, as if she’d wrapped herself in a cloak of calm, hiding the storm underneath. He knew her well enough to suspect that this was deliberate—though for whose benefit, he couldn't yet be sure.
“I’m at your disposal, heiress,” he replied smoothly, his voice laced with subtle amusement as he offered his arm. Her acceptance of the gesture surprised him, yet
