Chapter 9: His Brother's Interest
923 Words
The anniversary gala continued in a blur of glittering gowns, polite laughter, and champagne bubbles bursting in crystal flutes. The Dunhavens had spared no expense, and the night was a spectacle of wealth and power. But amid the grand chandeliers and swirling waltzes, Selene felt the weight of something far heavier than the golden luxury surrounding her.
A stare.
Nathaniel Dunhaven was watching her.
She didn't have to turn to know it. She could feel the lazy scrutiny in his gaze, the way his presence lingered at the edge of the room like a shadow waiting to make its move. He hadn't approached yet, but Selene knew he would.
Nathaniel wasn't like Gideon.
He wasn't cold, calculated control. He was reckless charm and whispered threats laced in amusement. He didn't destroy with brute force—he did it with a smirk and a well-placed truth.
And now, she was his target.
Gideon had stepped away to speak with a business associate, leaving Selene momentarily alone. It was all the opportunity Nate needed.
She heard his footsteps before she saw him. Slow. Leisurely. The kind of confidence that only came from a lifetime of privilege.
"Selene Everly," he drawled, appearing at her side with a glass of whiskey in hand. "Enjoying yourself?"
She turned to him with a poised smile. "That depends. Are you here to offer more congratulations, or are you about to say something infuriating?"
Nate smirked, tilting his glass slightly in her direction. "A little of both."
Selene exhaled a soft laugh, but it was calculated—just enough to match his playful tone while keeping her guard up. "How thoughtful."
He took a sip of whiskey, letting a beat of silence stretch between them before his gaze sharpened. "You know," he mused, "when Gideon introduced you as his fiancée, I thought your name sounded familiar."
Selene kept her expression smooth, but a chill slithered down her spine.
Nate’s smirk deepened, his voice dropping just slightly. "Everly. As in Everly Holdings." He swirled the amber liquid in his glass, watching her carefully. "As in the company that collapsed in scandal five years ago."
Her stomach twisted, but outwardly, she remained flawless.
"I'm impressed," she said, lifting her champagne flute. "I didn't think you paid attention to business unless it involved your trust fund."
His chuckle was low, amused. "Normally, you'd be right. But a bankruptcy that spectacular? Even I remember that kind of downfall." He leaned in slightly, his voice dropping into something more intimate. "So tell me, Selene, how does the daughter of a ruined empire end up here?"
Selene met his gaze head-on, refusing to blink. "I worked for it."
Nate let out a soft, mocking whistle. "That's a nice line. You almost had me."
She sipped her champagne, her pulse steady. "Almost?"
"You don't just rise from the ashes of a financial disaster without help." His blue eyes gleamed. "So, tell me—who helped you?"
Selene smiled, slow and deliberate. "Gideon did."
Nate barked out a laugh, shaking his head. "Now that, I don’t believe."
"Why not?" she asked lightly, tilting her head.
"Because Gideon doesn’t do charity." Nate’s smirk lingered, but his tone darkened just enough to hint at the weight of his words. "If he gave you something, it’s because he wanted something in return. So tell me, sweetheart, what exactly are you offering?"
Selene’s fingers tightened around the delicate stem of her glass, but her voice remained as smooth as silk. "Careful, Nathaniel. That almost sounded like jealousy."
His eyes flashed with something unreadable before he grinned. "Jealous? Please. I’m fascinated."
Selene forced a soft chuckle. "And what, exactly, fascinates you?"
"You." He took another sip of whiskey, his gaze never leaving hers. "Because if I wanted to, I could tell everyone in this room exactly who you are. Exactly where you came from. I bet Vanessa would love that little detail."
The air between them tightened.
Selene didn’t react—at least, not outwardly. Her heart slammed against her ribs, but she refused to let him see it.
Instead, she smiled. "But you won’t."
Nate raised an eyebrow. "Won’t I?"
She took a slow step closer, tilting her chin up just slightly. "No," she murmured. "Because unlike everyone else in this room, you enjoy chaos. And exposing me? That would end the game too quickly." She let the words settle between them before delivering the final blow. "And you don’t want that, do you?"
Something dark flickered in his gaze.
Then, just as quickly, he laughed. "God, I like you."
Selene smirked. "That’s a dangerous thing, Nathaniel."
"Everything in this family is dangerous, sweetheart." He lifted his glass in a mock toast. "Welcome to the Dunhavens."
He turned, sauntering back toward the bar like they had simply discussed the weather.
Selene exhaled slowly.
She had won this round.
But the game?
It was only beginning.
As she turned back to the party, she caught sight of Gideon across the room, his sharp gaze locked onto them. He had seen the exchange, and though his expression remained neutral, Selene knew better. The tension in his posture, the slight tightening of his jaw—Gideon Dunhaven did not appreciate competition.
Especially not from his own brother.
Selene took another sip of champagne, forcing herself to stay composed. She had anticipated challenges. She had prepared for skepticism, whispers, and doubt. But she hadn’t expected Nathaniel to enjoy the chase so much.
Or for Gideon to care.
A slow smile curved her lips. This was getting interesting.
- Writer
