Sophia Sullivan and Ethan Sullivan stepped out of the lounge.
Their expressions were calm.
As if nothing had happened.
Music flowed through the banquet hall.
Men and women swayed together on the dance floor.
Sophia's gaze was steady.
She attended as Ethan's plus-one.
The black card he'd given her was generous payment.
A dance was a fair trade.
The moment they entered the hall, Ian Gallagher approached.
He'd swapped his white coat for a tailored suit.
His smile was warm and refined.
"Sophia, I've been looking everywhere for you."
"I thought you'd left already."
Ian knew Sophia had rejected him.
He also knew she carried secrets.
Even that she'd once been hunted in Italy.
None of it mattered to him.
His congratulations were sincere.
"Congratulations on winning the golden token."
"It's stunning."
Then he remembered something.
"MDH Pharmaceutical Research Institute sent word."
"They're developing an Alzheimer's drug."
Sophia considered this.
"That's perfect."
If Grandma Sullivan could regain even brief clarity,
Sophia could ask about her mother's whereabouts.
That alone would be invaluable.
Ryan Lawrence emerged from the crowd.
"Don't play favorites, Sophia."
"I can help with the drug too."
His eyes sparkled mischievously.
"I heard you used your Decagon card."
"Next time, just use my money."
"I hate having cash anyway."
He produced a black card.
With a pointed glance at Ethan, he added,
"No limits."
"Consider it my gift to you."
Ethan arched a lazy brow.
"A black card."
"Shame I already gave her one."
Ryan gritted his teeth.
"She can use both!"
He stomped his foot in frustration.
Ethan was a dangerous rival—
Wealthy, handsome, and impossible to shake.
Ian sighed dramatically.
"Sophia doesn't need money."
"What she needs is utility."
"Like pharmaceutical access and medical support."
It was the truth.
Ian knew his value lay in being useful to her.
Ryan scoffed.
"I'm more useful than both of you."
The young man's pride was evident.
As a Decagon member,
He was Sophia's most trusted aide.
If not for secrecy,
He'd have flaunted his status already.
Ethan gave him a dismissive look.
"In terms of recklessness,"
"Young Master Ryan certainly leads."
"Youthful exuberance, I suppose."
Tension crackled between the three men.
Sophia cut through it coldly.
"Are you done?"
Silence fell instantly.
She was more concerned about her friend's whereabouts.
Turning to Julian Roscente, she asked,
"Have you seen Isabella?"
They'd agreed to meet after the auction.
But Isabella had vanished midway.
Julian smirked.
"She's probably admiring male models—"
Before he could finish,
A woman with blunt black bangs approached.
And stomped on his foot.
"Liar!"
"I'm a respectable woman."
Isabella Robinson looped an arm around Sophia.
"My darling Sophia."
"I heard you've got men fighting to pay your bills?"
She clicked her tongue.
"Anything you want, I'll buy."
"What business do these men have interfering?"
Isabella staked her claim.
"My dad's obsessed with my mom."
"No illegitimate siblings stealing inheritance."
"My money is yours, Sophia."
Sophia's lips curved.
"And mine is yours."
Julian hid his pained foot behind a neutral expression.
"Now that everyone's here,"
"The dance is about to begin."
He was curious—
Which man would Sophia choose?