CHAPTER 10

“You can join the others in writing a proposal. I hope you win.” Lysander’s voice carried a sharp edge, his smirk deepening as he delivered the verbal jab. He didn’t wait for a response, turning on his heel and disappearing into the crowd, his presence leaving a trail of tension behind.

The fashion showcase unfolded around them, a dazzling display of gowns and suits gliding across the floor. Elowen stood off to the side, her posture composed but her gaze scanning the room. When she felt someone step into her space, she turned her head sharply. Lysander was standing beside her, the faintest trace of amusement dancing on his lips.

“We meet again, Miss Elowen,” he whispered, his voice low enough to brush against her ear.

Her shoulders stiffened as she turned her head to face him. With a tight smile, she stepped closer and beckoned him down with a slight tilt of her head. When his ear was close enough, she murmured, “You shouldn’t call me that name.”

His smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Oh, pardon me. I take it nobody knows you’re Elowen yet?”

Her glare was her only reply.

“Let’s talk outside,” she said, already moving away from the crowd, her gown swaying elegantly with each step.

Lysander followed without a word, his eyes tracking her movements like a predator. They stepped out onto a quiet balcony, the cool night air settling around them. The distant hum of the city was the only sound.

Elowen spun to face him, her expression unreadable. “What do you want from me?” she demanded, her voice sharp enough to cut through the stillness.

Lysander leaned against the railing, utterly at ease. “Let’s be friends,” he said with a casual shrug, as if it were the most natural suggestion in the world.

Her laugh was short and humorless. “I’m not interested in being your friend.”

“Impressive. You’ve broken a record no woman has ever turned me down before.”

“Maybe I should get an award for that,” she shot back. “And for the record, I’m here for business. Don’t get in my way.” She turned on her heel, her tone making it clear the conversation was over.

“You might want to rethink that,” Lysander said lazily, his voice stopping her mid-step. “I can help you get back your father’s company.”

Elowen froze, her heart skipping a beat. Slowly, she turned to face him again, her eyes narrowing. “What did you just say?”

He didn’t move from his spot, but his gaze locked onto hers, steady and unyielding. “You heard me. I don’t repeat myself.”

She stepped closer, her heels clicking against the floor. “Nice try, but I’m not interested in your help, Mr. Lysander.”

The corner of his mouth curved into a grin. “I like the way you say my name,” he murmured. “Think about it. You can use me to get exactly what you want.”

Before she could reply, he turned and walked away, his figure disappearing back into the glow of the party. She stood there for a moment, the cool night breeze brushing against her skin as her thoughts churned.

Later, the drive back to her hotel was quiet, the streets of Apex Grove stretching before her in a blur of city lights. The words Lysander had said played on a loop in her mind, making her grip the steering wheel tighter.

When she arrived, she entered her room to find her children fast asleep, their tiny bodies curled under the soft blankets. She leaned down and pressed gentle kisses to their foreheads, her lips lingering for just a moment longer than usual.

Slipping off her heels, she collapsed onto the couch, her phone already in her hand. She dialed Seraphina, who picked up after the second ring.

“Why are you calling me this late?” Seraphina’s groggy voice came through the line.

“Sorry for waking you,” Elowen said, her voice soft but steady. “I just got back from the party.”

“How did it go?” Seraphina asked, her tone shifting as she woke up more fully.

“It was… eventful,” Elowen replied. She hesitated before adding, “I met Aurelia.”

Seraphina perked up instantly. “Aurelia? Did you talk to her?”

“She approached me. I think we’ll get along. She hates Caspian as much as I do.”

“That’s good. Maybe you can use her against him,” Seraphina said, her voice tinged with excitement.

“She mentioned there’s something she wants to share with me about Caspian. But that’s not the surprising part.” Elowen paused, her voice lowering. “You won’t believe what Lysander told me.”

“What did he say?” Seraphina asked, her curiosity evident.

“He offered to help me get back my father’s company,” Elowen said, her tone laced with disbelief.

There was silence on the other end of the line for a moment before Seraphina asked, “How does he know you’re Elowen?”

“I think he’s done his research,” Elowen replied, her fist clenching at the thought.

“Wow,” Seraphina breathed. “That man is cunning. Maybe you should take him up on it. Lysander’s the biggest name in Apex Grove. If anyone can help you, it’s him.”

Elowen frowned, her thoughts racing. “What if he has his own agenda?”

“Of course he does,” Seraphina said. “Men like him always do. The question is, can you outplay him?”

Elowen didn’t answer immediately. Instead, she stared out the window, the city lights twinkling in the distance as the night seemed to close in around her.