A week later, the charity gala arrived as scheduled.
"The banquet won't start for another half hour."
Ethan Sullivan's voice sounded behind her just as Sophia Sullivan leaned against the railing, lost in thought. The sea breeze carried a salty tang, tousling the loose strands of hair at her forehead.
She turned, surprise flickering in her eyes.
The night was thick, with only the distant lights of a cruise ship swaying on the ink-dark sea. Ethan stood at the edge of the light, tall and immaculate in his tailored suit.
He handed her a coat, his tone steady. "The wind is strong. Don’t catch a chill."
Only then did Sophia notice the cold biting at her fingertips, her nose tinged pink. She murmured thanks and draped the coat over her shoulders with practiced ease.
It still carried his warmth.
"How did you find me here, Mr. Sullivan?" She smoothed her wind-tossed hair, a faint curve touching her lips.
Her mood had been low these past days. The trail of the necklace had gone cold, and the investigation had hit another dead end. Now, her only hope rested with Ethan’s grandmother, whose mind was fading.
Ethan passed her a glass of tequila, his gaze lingering on the slight furrow between her brows. "Just taking a walk. Happened to see you."
Their glasses clinked, the sound crisp in the quiet.
Sophia took a sip, letting the liquor’s heat spread down her throat. "It’s too stifling inside. The air out here is better."
Tonight, she wore a simple purple mermaid gown—not a designer piece, but one she had designed herself. The sleek cut accentuated her waist, and the open back revealed the elegant curve of her shoulder blades.
Compared to the glittering ensembles in the ballroom, hers stood out with quiet distinction.
Ethan’s eyes lingered on her, appreciation glinting in their depths. "That dress is unique."
His sharp eye recognized the craftsmanship at once.
"Handmade," Sophia said, smiling slightly. Then, recalling the rain-soaked designer gown, she added, "I loved the dress you sent, but the storm ruined it before I could wear it."
The limited-edition LV gown had been stunning—elegant and bold in black and white. It would have been her armor for the evening.
She pulled a card from her clutch and offered it to him. "Eight hundred thousand. Consider it compensation."
Ethan pushed it back into her palm, his fingers brushing her wrist. "Just a dress. It’s nothing."
The space between them had narrowed without notice, the scent of tequila mingling in the air.
He studied her wind-flushed cheeks, his voice low. "More than the dress, I’m curious why you’re out here alone."
Sophia lifted her gaze to meet his.
The waves crashed against the shore, each one echoing like a heartbeat.