“Are we playing the game tonight?” he asked.

“Yes,” I said, keeping my voice bright. “We smile, we stay close to Daddy, and we don’t talk to strangers.”

The door opened, and Damon walked into the bedroom.

His tuxedo was flawless, his presence occupying every inch of the room.

He stopped, his eyes running over me before resting on Leo.

“The guests are arriving,” Damon said. “The press is already at the entrance.”

“Is this really necessary?” I asked, rising to face him. “A gala?”

“We must show them we are unified,” Damon said, his voice flat. “The rumors of your disappearance have affected the stock. If the board sees you, the speculation ends.”

“And our safety?” I asked.

“This building is a fortress,” Damon said. “My security team has vetted every guest.”

He offered his arm to me.

I hesitated, then slipped my hand through the crook of his elbow.

His arm was solid, warm, and entirely unyielding.

We walked down the long carpeted hallway toward the grand ballroom of the Vale Plaza.

The sound of live violin music and the low hum of hundreds of voices grew louder.