POV: Sloane
Nathan’s tone changes before the gala begins. His messages sound less polite, more demanding. He wants me to arrive early so we can “enter together.” I read the text twice before replying with a short see you there. I feel uneasy, but I decide to go anyway.
At the gala, his smile looks forced. He compliments me again, but it feels like a trick. He asks who else I’ll be speaking with tonight, and his eyes move around too quickly. I sense something behind his calm face.
When I walk away to greet another guest, he follows. He laughs too loudly at things I don’t find funny. I notice how often he checks his phone. It buzzes once, and I catch a glimpse of a name on the screen—Adrian.
My heart stops for a second. I pretend not to notice. I excuse myself and walk toward the restro
