The Thorne Capital Charity Ball wasn't just a party; it was a show of power. The rich, the connected, the ruthless they were all here. For Eva, it wasn't her first event, but tonight felt different. She had a bad feeling. Zadie and Derek Chad were expected, and something told her they were coming for blood.
Lucian had been unusually helpful in the days leading up to the event. He'd picked out her gown himself a deep emerald green silk that shimmered under the lights. It was stunning and bold. A silent message. He'd even walked her through the guest list, warned her who to avoid, and surprisingly… offered her a gentle squeeze of the hand as they walked into the ballroom together.
That small gesture meant more than she'd expected.
The ballroom glittered. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead. Laughter and music filled the air. Everyone was dressed to impress. Eva smiled and greeted guests with practiced grace, her arm looped through Lucian's.
"Mrs. Thorne," someone said with a nod.
"Lovely gown," another whispered.
She smiled, polite but alert. Whispers followed her wherever she went. She could feel the eyes watching.
Then, the room shifted.
The crowd turned. A hush fell. Zadie Monroe had arrived with Derek Chad on her arm. She wore a blazing red gown and a smirk sharp enough to cut glass.
"Here we go," Eva murmured under her breath.
Zadie didn't waste time. She walked straight over to them, dragging Derek along like a trophy.
"Lucian. Eva." Zadie's voice was all sweetness. "So glad to see you out and about. Derek and I were just talking about Henry Langston's little… downfall."
Derek chuckled, stepping forward. "Such a shame. Langston Innovations used to be solid. Makes you wonder what kind of decisions were being made behind the scenes. Or who might've helped tip it over."
He looked directly at Eva. The message was clear.
Eva didn't blink. She stepped forward before Lucian could say a word.
"That's interesting, Mr. Chad," she said calmly. "Because I've also been wondering about decisions made behind the scenes. Like the sudden interest certain shell corporations have taken in Langston stock. Some of them… traced back to you."
The smirk on Derek's face disappeared for a split second.
"I don't know what you're talking about," he said stiffly.
"I think you do," Eva replied, voice still smooth. "And if you don't, I'm happy to publish the connections. I used to be quite good at uncovering things like that."
Zadie's smile faltered.
The people around them leaned in, pretending not to listen while clearly listening to every word.
"You always did like to stir things up," Zadie said, her tone sharper now.
"And you always did like to hide behind others," Eva shot back.
Lucian placed a hand lightly on Eva's back. He didn't interrupt. He didn't have to. She was handling it.
Zadie narrowed her eyes. "Still playing the reporter, I see."
"Some instincts never die," Eva said quietly. "Like ambition. Or jealousy."
The tension cracked like glass. No one dared to speak.
Then Zadie gave a tight, fake smile. "Well. Enjoy the evening."
She turned and walked away, dragging Derek with her. His face was pale.
As they vanished into the crowd, Lucian leaned toward Eva.
"You didn't just hold your ground," he murmured. "You took theirs."
Eva exhaled slowly. "They'll come back harder."
"I hope they do," Lucian said, watching the room. "Next time, they'll expect me. They won't expect you."
Eva turned to look at him. For the first time in weeks, she saw real trust in his eyes.
She didn't just survive tonight.
She changed the game.