I released Gideon's wrist, leaving him rubbing it with a scowl on his face. The fury in his eyes was almost comical—a spoiled child denied his toy.
"You dare threaten me?" he snarled, leaning close enough that I could smell the expensive cologne masking his sweat. "Do you have any idea who I am?"
"I know exactly who you are," I replied calmly. "The question is whether you know who you're dealing with."
Seraphina laughed, the sound brittle and forced. "Look at you, pretending to be important just because Isabelle Ashworth felt sorry for you. How pathetic."
I shrugged, refusing to take the bait. Let them think what they wanted. Soon enough, they'd learn the truth the hard way.
Gideon straightened his jacket, composing himself. "You know what? You're not worth my time. Enjoy your moment in the spotlight, Knight. When Miss Ashworth realizes what a fraud you are, you'll crawl back to the gutter where you belong."
"We'll see who ends up in the gutter," I said, my voice low but clear. "Remember my warning, Blackwood. It's the only one you'll get."
He scoffed, turning away. "Come, Seraphina. Let's not waste any more time on this... nobody."
As they walked away, I caught Seraphina glancing back, confusion momentarily replacing the contempt in her eyes. Good. Let her wonder. Let her doubt.
I returned my attention to the glass of scotch, savoring the burn as it slid down my throat. The banquet continued around me—crystal glasses clinking, fake laughter bubbling, deals being made and broken over canapés and champagne.
The food, at least, was excellent. I made my way to one of the buffet tables, loading a small plate with delicacies I couldn't have dreamed of affording a month ago. As I sampled a particularly delicious piece of seared tuna, I felt eyes on me.
Seraphina stood across the room, whispering to Gideon and another man I didn't recognize. Her gaze was fixed on me, lips curled in disgust as I enjoyed the food.
I smiled and raised my fork in a mock toast. Her eyes narrowed before she turned away with an exaggerated flip of her hair.
"Making friends, I see," Isabelle said, suddenly appearing beside me.
"Reuniting with old ones," I corrected, offering her a bite from my plate.
She declined with a smile. "I see you've discovered Chef Marcel's creations. He'll be pleased someone appreciates his art."
"It would be a crime not to," I replied, popping another morsel into my mouth. "Where did you disappear to?"
"Just handling some business," she said vaguely. "Nothing that can't wait until tomorrow. Are you enjoying yourself despite the unpleasant company?"
"More than I expected," I admitted. "Though I think I've become the entertainment for some of your guests."
Isabelle followed my gaze to where Seraphina, Gideon, and the unknown man were now engaged in animated conversation.
"Ah, I see Damian Prescott has joined the vipers' nest," she murmured. "His father owns half the real estate in Havenwood. The son fancies himself a power player, but he's really just riding daddy's coattails."
"They seem quite interested in us," I observed as all three glanced our way again.
"Let them look," Isabelle said, sliding her arm through mine. "Shall we give them something to really talk about?"
Before I could ask what she meant, Isabelle led me to the center of the room where several couples were dancing to the string quartet's gentle melody. She turned to face me, placing one hand on my shoulder and offering the other.
"I don't know how to dance," I whispered, panic rising.
"Just follow my lead," she whispered back. "No one will notice—they're all too busy trying to figure out why I'm with you instead of someone like Gideon Blackwood."
Reluctantly, I took her hand and placed my other at her waist. We began to move, and to my surprise, it wasn't as difficult as I'd feared. Isabelle was an excellent leader, subtly guiding me with the pressure of her hands.
"They're staring," I muttered, catching Seraphina's shocked expression from the corner of my eye.
"Good," Isabelle replied. "Let them stare. Let them wonder."
I spun her carefully, gaining confidence with each step. "What exactly are we doing here, Isabelle?"
"Making an impression," she said simply. "And enjoying ourselves. Is that so wrong?"
"No," I admitted. "It's just... new for me."
Her smile softened. "Get used to it, Liam Knight. This is just the beginning."
---
On the other side of the ballroom, Gideon Blackwood was seething. I could practically see the steam coming from his ears as he watched us dance.
"Can you believe this?" he spat to Damian. "That worthless nobody dancing with Isabelle Ashworth like he belongs here."
Damian sipped his champagne, eyes calculating. "How do you know him again?"
"He's Seraphina's ex-husband," Gideon explained, his lip curling in disgust. "A pathetic live-in son-in-law the Sterlings kept out of pity. He couldn't even keep their smallest business afloat—had to be bailed out repeatedly."
Seraphina nodded eagerly. "He was absolutely useless. Couldn't provide, couldn't satisfy me, couldn't do anything right." She pressed herself against Gideon's arm. "Nothing like my Gideon."
Damian's eyebrow arched. "And yet, there he is with Isabelle Ashworth."
"She probably hired him as some kind of charity case," Gideon scoffed. "The Ashworths are always showing off their philanthropy."
"Speaking of the Ashworths," Damian said, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "I heard Michael Ashworth's granddaughter is looking to sponsor someone with potential in Havenwood City. That's why they held this banquet."
Gideon straightened immediately, his eyes gleaming with interest. "Sponsor? In what way?"
"Business backing, connections, the works." Damian swirled his drink. "Word is she's been impressed by someone local and wants to give them her family's support."
Seraphina squeezed Gideon's arm. "That must be you! Your family's shipping company is the most promising business in the city!"
Gideon's chest puffed up. "It would make sense. The Blackwoods and Ashworths would be a natural alliance."
"You should approach her," Seraphina urged. "Before someone else catches her eye."
Damian nodded toward where Isabelle and I were finishing our dance. "You might have competition. She seems quite taken with your ex-wife's former husband."
"Him?" Gideon laughed. "Impossible. She's just being polite. Or maybe using him to make someone jealous." He straightened his tie. "I'll speak with her later, make my case properly."
Seraphina frowned. "She was quite rude to us earlier."
"Playing hard to get," Gideon dismissed. "These high-society women love their games. My father warned me about the Ashworth girl—apparently she's quite arrogant. Thinks she's too good for most men in Havenwood."
"She certainly acts like it," Seraphina agreed. "Did you see how she looked down her nose at me? As if I wasn't good enough to breathe the same air."
Gideon's face darkened. "I'll put her in her place once we're partnered. No woman speaks to my girlfriend that way."
Damian choked slightly on his drink. "Put an Ashworth in her place? You might want to rethink that strategy."
"Why?" Gideon challenged. "Because she's rich? My family has money too. And connections."
"Not like the Ashworths," Damian warned.
Gideon waved him off, his eyes following Isabelle as she led me away from the dance floor. "Look at her, all high and mighty. Someone needs to teach her some humility."
"That's her, isn't it?" Seraphina asked. "The one in the blue dress with Liam?"
"That stinking woman?" Gideon sneered. "Yes, that's Isabelle Ashworth. Think she's the queen of Havenwood."
Damian's face had gone pale. "What did you just call her?"
"A stinking woman," Gideon repeated carelessly. "That's what she is, isn't she? Acting like royalty when she's just another spoiled rich girl."
"You called Isabelle Ashworth... a stinking woman?" Damian's voice had dropped to a horrified whisper.
"To her face, no less," Seraphina added proudly. "Gideon doesn't back down from anyone."
Damian stepped back, suddenly looking like he wanted to be anywhere else. "You threatened Isabelle Ashworth? To her face? Are you insane?"
Gideon frowned. "What's wrong with you? She's just some haughty businesswoman."
"Some haughty—" Damian ran a hand through his hair, his face ashen. "That's Miss Isabelle Ashworth, the Ashworth family's eldest daughter! If you want to die, go ahead—don't drag me into this!"