"Sis."
The boy's voice was bright, laced with playful affection.
He lifted his sleeve slightly, making the sapphire catch the light.
The mask came off in slow motion.
Messy bangs fell across his forehead, revealing clear, earnest eyes.
His gaze resembled that of an abandoned puppy.
"You promised to visit me."
His tone carried wounded innocence, though his eyes lingered on Sophia's mermaid gown.
"Never thought you'd choose this dull party instead."
The subtext was clear—a pointed reminder of their Decagon appointment.
Sophia's pupils contracted.
Recognition struck instantly.
Ryan Lawrence.
They'd never met face-to-face, only through digital channels.
She had indeed promised to return to The Decagon recently.
But pressing matters had delayed her.
Even without seeing his face, the conversation confirmed his identity.
Her expression frosted over.
Being tracked was her greatest pet peeve.
Ryan seemed to read her thoughts.
"I didn't stalk you."
His explanation came with genuine sincerity.
"Pure coincidence I'm at this gala."
His gaze swept over the fishtail silhouette again.
"I recognize this dress."
He'd heard her describe the design sketches before.
The leader he'd imagined would be aloof and detached.
Not this radiant vision before him.
With others nearby, he deliberately switched to the familiar address.
"Sis" rolled off his tongue with natural ease.
Inside, his heart soared.
Finally face-to-face.
"If I wanted to investigate you, I wouldn't have waited till now."
Seeing Sophia's guarded stance, his smile faltered briefly.
But it quickly reignited.
"You're incredible—even Mr. Sullivan couldn't trace you."
Pride saturated his voice.
His admiration for Sophia had always run deep.
Her expression softened marginally.
The Decagon had indeed sealed her records.
As founder, her data had the highest encryption.
"Not just the dress, was it?"
Her sharp eyes landed on his wrist.
"This meeting is... unexpected."
She despised deviations from plans.
Ryan securing an invitation wasn't surprising.
But attending under official capacity hinted at substantial backing.
"Brilliant as always, sis."
Ryan's eyes crinkled with amusement.
"The bracelet too."
He pointed to the serpentine design circling her wrist.
"Our little secret."
The remark was clearly meant for Ethan's ears.
The boy's gaze turned challenging, brimming with smug satisfaction.
He was Ethan's polar opposite.
Bold, expressive, utterly unguarded.