He looked striking in his black tuxedo, his dark hair perfectly styled.

When he saw me, his conversation faltered for a fraction of a second.

He gave me a subtle nod, his eyes lingering on me.

A few yards away, Victoria Sterling stood in a sleek red gown.

She was laughing at something a man next to her said, but her eyes were scanning the room.

When her gaze landed on me, her smile vanished.

She whispered something to the man and began walking in my direction.

“Elila,” Victoria said, her voice dripping with artificial sweetness. “I didn’t expect to see an intern at an event of this caliber.”

“I was invited, Victoria,” I said calmly.

“I suppose Andrew still has a soft spot for charity cases,” she said, looking down her nose at me.

“Excuse me,” I said, stepping past her. “I have an appointment.”

Victoria’s hand shot out, grabbing my wrist.

Her grip was surprisingly tight.

“Don’t get too comfortable,” she whispered. “By the end of the night, you’ll be nothing but a memory in this city.”

“We’ll see,” I said, pulling my wrist free from her grasp.