A cold smirk played on Ryan Lawrence's lips.
Dark fury swirled in his eyes.
"Misunderstanding?"
Chloe Evans' expression faltered.
She forced a smile. "Mr. Lawrence, what do you mean?"
Ryan idly twirled his wineglass.
"Just a slip of the hand."
His tone was flippant, but his gaze was icy.
Chloe's nails dug into her palms.
Ryan was toying with her!
Whispers spread among the guests.
Everyone knew the Lawrence heir was notorious for being untamable.
Liam Winston stood nearby, his face grim.
Yet no one dared intervene.
Chloe took a deep breath.
She turned to Julian Roscente. "Mr. Roscente, surely you—"
Julian admired the night view outside.
"The moonlight is lovely tonight."
He had no intention of getting involved.
Ryan chuckled darkly.
"Trying to stir trouble?"
He advanced toward Chloe step by step.
She instinctively retreated.
"You must be joking, Mr. Lawrence."
Ryan's smile vanished abruptly.
He turned and walked toward Sophia Sullivan.
Instantly, his sharp features softened.
"Sophia."
His voice held a coaxing lilt.
A complete contrast to his earlier demeanor.
Sophia gave a slight nod.
Ryan leaned close to her ear.
"Tell me if anyone bothers you."
His words were quiet but audible to those nearby.
Ethan Sullivan's eyes narrowed.
Ryan ignored him entirely.
His silver earring glinted under the lights.
Rolling up his sleeve, he revealed a tattoo on his wrist—a serpent with crimson eyes that sent chills down spines.
Just like Ryan himself.
Dangerous yet mesmerizing.
He bowed to no one—except Sophia.