Chloe stepped back into the grand room, smoothing her dress as she wove through the mingling guests.
Damien didn’t matter, and Noah was overreacting, or so she told herself.
Inside the hall, the auction had ended, the formalities settling into an air of celebration.
The orchestra played a softer melody, couples swaying gracefully on the dance floor, laughter and the scent of rich wine settling beneath the dazzling chandeliers.
She exhaled, steadying herself. She walked slowly to the middle of the room as she sat on the stool at the bar. The night was long, from nearly getting knocked over by Ryan to being left behind by Noah, she wasn’t sure she wanted to indulge in the after-party.
“Something strong please,” Chloe ordered as she ran her hands through her blonde hair, then as her eye
