When Ciel was released, he smoothed down his sparkling jacket exaggeratedly and shot Thiago a look.
Pete approached them and handed a drink in front of him.
Ciel downed it in one gulp.
Lilianna had also seen what happened earlier with Ciel. Her gaze quietly swept the room.
Rather than someone who wasn't stone-walling her the way Neville was or someone who was pretending she didn't exist the way Grayson was.
Her eyes landed on Ciel.
Ciel, who had just gotten his drink and felt her stare, froze with the empty glass still raised to his lips.
"Ciel!" Lilianna brightened. "I haven't seen you in ages! You look amazing—is that the newly released designer special?"
Ciel's eyes quickly darted to Julius. Then to Thiago. Then to Pete. Then, in desperation, Bryan, who acted as if he saw nothing, talked with Chronos.
"…Thanks," Ciel managed. "It's, uh. Custom."
