CHAPTER 8

Elowen turned the sleek, embossed card between her fingers, the gold lettering glinting under the chandelier’s soft glow. Aurelia’s smile lingered as she said, “We can be friends, Elowen. I’ve heard so much about you your work is truly inspiring.”

Elowen tilted her head, a polite smile playing on her lips. “Thank you. I didn’t realize I’d become that popular.” Her tone was light, but the curiosity gnawed at her. How much did Aurelia know?

“Perhaps tomorrow, if you’re free, we could meet,” she added, masking her intent behind casual friendliness.

“I’d like that,” Aurelia replied warmly. She leaned in for a brief, airy hug, the scent of her expensive perfume lingering as she pulled away. “But for now, enjoy the party. I have other guests to attend to.” With a graceful nod, Aurelia moved off, her emerald-green gown trailing behind her like liquid silk.

Elowen’s smile faded as she watched her retreat. A million questions swirled in her mind, each louder than the lively chatter of the crowd around her. The soft clink of glasses and laughter felt muted as she struggled to focus. What does she know? Why would she want to meet me?

Her thoughts scattered when a light tap landed on her shoulder. She turned sharply, heart racing, and found herself face-to-face with Caspian.

“Didn’t mean to startle you,” he said, holding a half-empty glass of whiskey in his hand. His eyes danced with recognition, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.

Elowen blinked, recovering quickly. “It’s fine,” she replied, her tone steady but her pulse quickening.

“You seem familiar,” he said, tilting his head as if trying to piece together a puzzle.

“I doubt it,” she answered with an easy laugh, though her grip on her wine glass tightened. “I’m new to the city.”

Caspian’s brow furrowed for a moment, then his expression cleared. “Wait I remember now. You’re the woman I saw in front of my house a few days ago. Lost, weren’t you?”

Elowen froze for a split second before letting out another laugh, light and dismissive. “This city does have a way of making you lose your bearings.”

“Doesn’t it?” he agreed, his tone friendly, though his gaze lingered a little too long.

“What brings you to Apex Grove?” he asked, leaning closer, curiosity evident in his tone.

She met his gaze head-on, her smile razor-sharp. “Business,” she said simply. “I make it a habit to take back what’s mine.”

Something flickered across his face confusion, perhaps unease but it was gone as quickly as it appeared. “Well,” he said with a chuckle, “maybe we’ll get the chance to work together.”

“Perhaps,” she replied, her tone as smooth as the wine in her glass.

“And your name?” he pressed.

She paused, her lips curling into a faint smirk. “Lowen.”

“Well, Lowen,” Caspian said, tipping his glass toward her, “I hope to see you again. You know, maybe without the mask.”

Her laugh was low and unbothered. “Let’s not rush things. I prefer to keep a little mystery.”

“Fair enough,” he said with a grin. “Oh, and before I go, I’m the owner of G Corporation Group. You’re welcome to visit anytime.”

Her fingers tightened around the stem of her glass, the pressure threatening to shatter it. Her face remained neutral, but her mind roared. How dare he claim the company he stole from me like it’s his birthright.

She barely noticed when he walked away. The sound of his voice still echoed in her ears, taunting her, when another voice cut through her thoughts.

“Staring at him won’t bring you the revenge you want.”

She turned slowly, her expression cool as she locked eyes with Lysander.

“Have you been digging into my past, Mr. Lysander?” she asked, her voice sharp enough to cut glass.

He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Let’s just say I like to know who I’m dealing with.”