Chapter 256

No.1

Crystal chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow over the grand ballroom of the Pierre Hotel.

The air hummed with the low murmur of old money and the clinking of crystal glasses. Waiters in crisp white tuxedos glided effortlessly through the crowd,carrying silver trays loaded with champagne and caviar.

Hours later, after a storm of frantic calls with PR teams and corporate lawyers to contain the FDA fallout,August had dragged a tear-streaked but re-armored Allena to the gala. Showing up was not a choice, but a declaration that they were unbowed.A lie, but a necessary one to keep the investors from panicking.

August stood near the center of the room. He held a heavy glass of bourbon. His posture was rigid, his handsome face tight and completely unreadable.

Allena clung tightly to his arm. She wore a sparkling,custom emerald gown. She smiled at anyone who

looked her way, desperately trying to project confidence and erase the memory of her morning humiliation at the FDA.

No.2

Cyprian Thatcher approached them. He adjusted his silk bowtie, looking unusually smug.

"August, you look like you need a better drink,"Cyprian asked, a hint of mockery lacing his tone."Rough day at the FDA?"

August shot him a dark, warńning look. "Mind your business, Cyprian. What has you so cheerful?"

Cyprian puffed out his chest. "L. Thorne is attending tonight. We're finally finalizing the marriage pact."

Allena's ears perked up. Her eyes widened at the mention of Thorne, one of the few men in the world whose wealth actually rivaled the Chambers empire.

"I thought Thorne was a confirmed bachelor," Allena said. She leaned forward, trying to insert herself into the elite conversation.

No.3

Cyprian sneered slightly at her, his eyes raking over her gown with obvious disdain. "It's an arranged merger between our families. Love has nothing to do

with it."

A sudden, rippling murmur swept through the crowd near the grand entrance.

L. Thorne walked into the ballroom. He exuded an effortless, intimidating charisma that physically parted the sea of wealthy guests.

Cyprian immediately abandoned August. He hurried over to greet his future brother-in-law, his face split into an eager grin.

Allena tugged urgently on August's arm. "Introduce me to him, August. We need powerful allies right now."

No.4

August reluctantly agreed. He didn't want to look like he was hiding. He led Allena toward where Thorne was standing with Cyprian.

"Thorne, good to see you back stateside," August said.He offered a stiff, formal handshake.

Thorne accepted the handshake with a brief,indifferent nod. "Chambers."

Allena stepped forward. She flashed her most seductive, vulnerable smile, tilting her head slightly.

"I'm Allena Mills. It's an absolute pleasure."

She extended her hand.

No.5

Thorne's eyes slid over Allena for a fraction of a second. His gaze was completely devoid of interest.It was as if he were looking at ablank wall.

He didn't offer his hand. Instead, his phone vibrated in the breast pocket of his tuxedo.

"Excuse me," Thorne said. He pulled out the phone and entirely turned his back on Allena.

Allena's smile froze. Her hand was left hanging awkwardly in the empty air for everyone in the immediate circle to see. A hot flush of embarrassment crawled up her neck.

August felt a surge of irritation at the blatant disrespect shown to his partner, but he kept his mouth shut. Thorne was too powerful to provoke over a handshake.

On his phone screen, Thorne read a text from Elisa:Kayden is awake and asking for you. We are pulling up to the hotel side entrance.

No.6

Thorne's lips curved into a soft, genuine smile. The

rare expression sent a ripple of frantic whispers through the observing socialites nearby.

He typed back quickly: Coming down in five minutes.Order her the chocolate ice cream.

Cyprian noticed the smile. He misinterpreted it completely. "Is my sister texting you already?" he asked eagerly.

Thorne locked his phone. He slipped it back into his pocket. His expression returned to a cool,impenetrable mask.

"No," Thorne replied, his voice carrying easily over the classical music. "That was someone far more important."

No.7

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