Sophia Sullivan stretched lazily, her posture relaxed.
Understanding glimmered in her eyes.
"I can relate to how he feels."
She recalled preparing for the gala.
"Just like how I vetted Julian Roscente for Isabella."
Her tone was casual, as if discussing mundane matters.
In truth, she'd thoroughly investigated the Sullivan family before their first meeting.
Every calculated approach stemmed from that.
She spread her hands, lips curving slightly.
"Friends shouldn't keep score about these things."
Leaning closer to Ethan Sullivan, mischief flashed in her gaze.
"Who knows? Maybe I've looked into you too."
Ethan lifted his eyes, expression unreadable.
"I'm not concerned."
His fingers tapped lightly on the table.
"We already have a bet."
This contest was about who'd uncover the other's secrets first.
Seeing Sophia's indifference, Ethan exhaled inwardly.
He disliked tension between friends.
The waltz reached its finale in the dance floor's center.
Applause surged like waves.
Someone started cheering.
Soon, continuous ovations followed.
Spotlights focused on the pair.
"Perfect synchronization!"
"What a dazzling couple."
"Youth radiates such vitality."
Amidst the admiration, Liam Winston sat alone in a corner.
He drained his wine glass in one gulp.
A mocking smile twisted his lips.
"What's so impressive?"
His gaze burned into the radiant figures dancing.
His chest ached with suffocating tightness.
He used to despise bringing Sophia to events.
Considered her unrefined.
Never dreamed of dancing with her.
He never knew she could shine this brightly.
Alcohol blurred his vision.
Liam pressed fingers to his temple, muttering.
"Where's Chloe?"
He scanned the room but found no trace of Chloe Evans.
Perhaps she'd retreated, upset about failing to obtain the token.
He poured another drink.
"Chloe's all I need."
Meanwhile, Chloe stood on the terrace with Zachary Sullivan.
"I didn't get the token."
Her voice dripped with resentment.
Zachary swirled his wine glass, eyes skimming her pale neck.
"Not your fault."
He took a sip.
"Blame your useless husband."
Chloe caught the implication.
She dabbed at nonexistent tears, delicate and pitiful.
"I've wasted your kindness."
She stepped closer.
"Liam's been moody lately. I don't know how to comfort him."
Zachary's hand settled on her shoulder.
His fingers traced idle patterns.
"If only you weren't married..."
He leaned toward her ear.
"Ethan's my brother. Can't move openly against him."
His grip tightened slightly.
"But behind the scenes... I could help you."
Calculations flickered in Chloe's eyes.
She tilted her face up with practiced innocence.
"You've always been so good to me, Zachary."
Raising her glass, she added,
"Let me know if you ever need anything too."
Their glasses clinked softly.
Each smile mirrored hidden agendas.