Chapter 7

The air buzzed with excitement as guests arrived at the enormous ballroom of the Blackwood Hotel, the venue for the year’s most anticipated charity event. Cameras flashed, reporters screamed out names, and the city’s elite strolled through the door, wrapped in beautiful gowns and tailored suits. But tonight wasn’t about them. Tonight was about her. Aria Laurent stepped out of the sleek black sedan, her heels tapping on the polished marble driveway. The minute she emerged, the audience stilled—as if the entire air had moved. She was stunning. Dressed in a deep crimson gown that caressed her figure, her dark hair combed into a neat updo, and a diamond necklace lying perfectly against her collarbone, she emanated authority. The type of power that made people stop and stare. The kind of power that made her dangerous. She ignored the flashing cameras and murmuring as she proceeded up the steps. They didn’t matter. Only one person’s reaction did. And he was inside. Adrian