The Silverpine Charity Gala was one of the most exclusive nights in Nova Dominion's high society — and tonight, it was buzzing louder than ever.
The Jefferson family had made a rare appearance. Elsa, elegant in an off-shoulder emerald gown, was at the center of every gaze. The fire in her eyes was unmistakable — poised, fierce, and untouchable.
But not to everyone.
Not to Kieran Wolfe.
He watched her from the second floor balcony, a tumbler of bourbon in his hand, a relaxed smirk playing on his lips. He wore a midnight blue tux that hugged his tall, athletic frame. His hair was slicked back, his demeanor that of a man who was always ten steps ahead — or pretended to be.
"You came," said a voice behind him.
He didn't turn. "Of course I did. She always hated these kinds of events. If she's here, something's changed."
"Everything's changed," replied Soraya, stepping to his side, glass of wine in hand.
Kieran gave a slow nod. "Let's find out how much."
Elsa was growing tired of fake smiles. She had just shaken hands with a councilman and a luxury yacht magnate when she felt it — a presence.
Familiar.
Sharp.
Cool.
She turned slowly.
And there he was.
Kieran Wolfe.
Her first love. Her longest scar.
"Still hate green?" he asked, offering her a flute of champagne.
Elsa took it without smiling. "I stopped dressing for people I left behind."
He laughed — low, smooth, genuine.
"I heard you married a nobody," he said, voice silky with amusement. "Then disappeared for a while. Rebellion, or something deeper?"
Elsa sipped, then gave him a look that could cut marble. "I married a man who didn't lie with his smile."
Kieran raised a brow. "Touché. Still... interesting how no one's ever seen him. What's the matter? Hiding him from the wolves?"
She stiffened — just enough for him to notice.
Kieran took a step closer.
"You used to let me fight your battles."
"And you used to be one of them," Elsa said, stepping away.
Before she could leave, Kieran leaned in close, his breath warm near her ear.
"You're bleeding, Elsa. And bleeding people attract hunters."
She stopped in her tracks, her eyes narrowing.
"Are you here to help, or to circle like the rest?"
He smiled that wicked, unreadable smile.
"I haven't decided yet."
Across the ballroom, Soraya observed the exchange with interest.
Then her phone vibrated.
[Soraya]: "He still has a hold on her. Not enough. But maybe soon."
Vin: "Good. We might need a new distraction."
Back at the hidden suite, Chess watched the gala's livestream on a secured feed.
Lance leaned in. "Wolfe's back in play. You want me to intercept?"
Chess didn't speak. He zoomed in on Kieran and Elsa's body language.
"The ex is dangerous," Lance added. "Smart. Political. She still has memories of him. You want me to pull strings?"
Still no answer.
Then Chess finally murmured, eyes like twin eclipses:
"Let the ghost knock on the door.But if he tries to enter—Burn the house down."
Outside the gala, Kieran stood beneath the marble columns, lighting a cigarette.
From the shadows, a voice spoke.
"Charming performance in there."
He turned sharply — but saw no one.
Just a whisper in the wind:
"You touch what's mine again... and I'll introduce you to fear."
The flame of his cigarette flickered out.