"You needn't blame yourself, Ms. Sullivan."
Ethan Sullivan's voice was calm.
"The dampened gown was the staff's oversight."
His gaze lingered on Sophia Sullivan.
"This purple mermaid gown is equally stunning."
Sophia gave a slight nod.
"Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Sullivan."
She lifted her eyes to the man before her.
His crisp white shirt was impeccably tailored.
The dark tie exuded understated elegance.
Broad shoulders and a narrow waist accentuated his aloof demeanor.
As if born to stand beneath the spotlight.
Sophia adjusted her cashmere wrap.
Rumor had it this was handcrafted by a renowned designer.
The faint scent of bamboo leaves clung to the fabric.
Strangely comforting.
Just then.
A pungent wave of alcohol cut through the air.
Sophia frowned.
"Do you smell that?"
"Vodka." Ethan's eyes narrowed. "Someone's coming."
The evening breeze carried faint footsteps.
Growing louder with the cloying scent.
"Perhaps another guest."
Ethan remained composed.
This seaside terrace was indeed ideal for solitude.
Before he could finish.
A figure emerged from the shadows.
"So this is where you've been hiding."
The youth's voice was lazily husky.
Sophia looked up.
Backlit, only his tall silhouette was visible.
As he approached leisurely.
His white suit jacket hung carelessly open.
Amber liquid swirled in the glass he held.
A black mask concealed his upper face.
But couldn't hide his innate arrogance.
Sapphire cufflinks glinted under moonlight.
His wolf-cut hair tousled by the wind.
Only when he stood before her.
Did Sophia see his unnervingly exquisite features.
"Mind if I join the party?"
He asked casually.
Already stepping into Sophia's space.
"Finally found you."
Sharp canines flashed as he grinned.
Extending a hand.
Completely ignoring Ethan.
"Do we know each other?"
Sophia didn't take his hand.
This youth had appeared without warning.
Neither she nor Ethan had sensed his approach.
Her smile remained polite.
But alarms blared inside.
As a top assassin.
She never made such mistakes.
More unsettling—
His voice was oddly familiar.
Yet she was certain they'd never met.
"Of course we do."
He pouted playfully.
His gaze flickered with displeasure at Ethan.
Setting his glass on the railing.
"I've been searching for you forever."
Ethan stepped forward.
Shielding Sophia.
"Ms. Sullivan is my guest."
His tone turned glacial.
"You must have mistaken her for someone else."
Moving to guide Sophia away.
Even among elite gatherings.
Drunk troublemakers weren't uncommon.
Sophia blinked.
Warmth encircled her wrist.
Ethan now radiated icy detachment.
A clear warning.
The youth's expression darkened instantly.
"Ethan Sullivan."
His voice dripped venom.
"Who gave you permission to touch my sister?"
Sophia's pupils constricted.
The mystery deepened.
Her gaze locked onto the youth.
"Who are you?"