Chapter TwentyNine

The drive to the venue was silent. A comfortable silence, only interrupted by Caleb’s smooth voice when he complimented me.

"You look... stunning," he had said, his words lingering in the air longer than I wanted them to.

I could feel his gaze on me from time to time, but I kept my eyes ahead, focusing on the road, the city lights blurring by.

My nerves, despite my efforts to remain calm, were starting to build.

Tonight was huge. My designs were being showcased for the world to see. For his world to see.

Caleb pulled up to the venue, a grand hall befitting his status.. CEO of The Rinders Group.

The parking lot was filled with luxury cars, each one gleaming under the streetlights, their owners stepping out, dressed in clothes worth more than most people’s rent.

Basically, the air was thick with elegance, success, and power.

"Here we are," Caleb said, parking the car in an area that appeared virtually set aside for him.

People talking, joking, and greeting one another with simpl