“Where is Liam?”

“He… went to Salzburg for an educational trip. He’ll be gone for a few days.”

Ethan gave a slight nod. He remained silent.

He reached for an ornate box on the desk, its polished surface catching the soft light. He extended it toward Isabella, his movements smooth and deliberate.

“There is a charity gala tonight,” he stated, his voice low and even. “I want you to accompany me.”

Isabella froze. Her eyes flickered between the box and Ethan’s unreadable expression.

“Me?” she breathed out, her voice barely audible. She pointed at herself, certain there was some mistake. The notion felt utterly surreal.

Ethan gave a single, firm nod. His expression was inscrutable, but his tone brooked no argument.

“Yes. I require a date.”

Her first instinct was to refuse. Then, Victoria’s words replayed in her mind, a stark reminder of everything Ethan had done for her and her studio.

“Alright,” Isabella heard herself agree, the word slipping out before she could reconsider.

Her heart stuttered as she accepted the box. Her fingers brushed against the plush velvet interior. A peculiar mix of dread and anticipation coiled tightly in her chest.

Ethan’s gaze remained fixed on her, dark and intense, as if he were trying to unravel a mystery she herself couldn’t comprehend.

“We leave at seven,” Ethan declared, his tone final. Without another word, he lowered his head, his attention returning to the glowing screen of his laptop. Isabella clutched the box and left the study.

Back in her room, she carefully lifted the lid. Inside lay a breathtaking gown of deep sapphire blue. Minute crystals were embroidered into the fabric, shimmering like a galaxy of stars against a midnight sky. Her pulse quickened as her fingertips traced the luxurious, smooth material. A nervous flutter of excitement stirred within her.

Time evaporated as Isabella prepared. She slipped into the gown. The fabric cascaded over her curves as if it were crafted solely for her. Standing before the mirror, she styled her hair and applied subtle makeup, her hands trembling slightly with anxious energy.

Precisely at seven o’clock, a knock sounded at her door.

Isabella drew a deep, steadying breath before moving to answer it.

Ethan stood there, impeccably dressed in a sharp black tuxedo. His gaze instantly found her, and for a fleeting moment, something akin to raw admiration flashed in his eyes—something far deeper than mere courtesy. The celestial gown accentuated her innate elegance, the crystals refracting light to give her an almost ethereal glow.

“You look exquisite,” Ethan said, his voice warm and genuine.

A blush heated Isabella’s cheeks. She lowered her gaze for a second. Her heart fluttered at the compliment. “Thank you,” she whispered softly.

Ethan offered his arm with a subtle, graceful gesture. “Shall we?”

Isabella hesitated for a heartbeat, her pulse pounding. Then, with a small nod, she placed her hand gently in the crook of his arm, her touch light yet definite.

Together, they walked out of the villa into the cool, crisp night air. A chauffeur stood waiting beside the sleek, idling car.

The car ride was thick with unspoken tension.

Isabella couldn’t resist stealing occasional glances at Ethan beside her. His demeanor was, as always, perfectly composed. His face was a mask, his thoughts as impenetrable as the deepening night outside the window.