The storm rolled in like a warning.
Thunder cracked across the sky, lightning flashing over the Elion estate's glass balconies and marble terraces. Inside, the air was still, heavy with anticipation. Luca Elion stood in front of the mirror in his room, adjusting the collar of his black suit. No tie. Just sharp lines and sharper intentions.
Tonight wasn't just any party. It was his father's party.
Victor Elion didn't throw casual gatherings. He orchestrated events like military campaigns—strategic, opulent, and always with an agenda. This one was no different: a private gala at the estate's cliffside ballroom, filled with billionaires, politicians, and power players.
Luca didn't want to go. But when Victor summoned, you showed up.
Downstairs, Kate Langford was already waiting in the foyer, dressed in a gold silk gown that shimmered with every movement. She looked like a trophy. She knew it.
"You ready?" she asked, looping her arm through his.
Luca didn't answer. He just opened the door and stepped into the storm.
Across the estate, Lila Grace was pacing.
"I still don't understand why Uncle couldn't go himself," she muttered, adjusting the strap of her dress.
Pearl, lounging on the bed in a robe, smirked. "Because he trusts you. And because you're the only one who can charm a room full of billionaires without losing your soul."
Lila rolled her eyes. "I'm not charming. I'm efficient."
"Same thing in a dress like that."
Lila glanced at her reflection. The emerald gown hugged her curves, her hair was swept into a high puff, and her makeup was flawless. She looked like she belonged at any gala in the world.
Still, something felt... off.
She didn't even know who was hosting. Her uncle had only said, "It's a private event. Big names. Just show up, smile, and represent me."
So she would.
She just hoped it wouldn't be a waste of time.
The ballroom was a cathedral of glass and gold. Crystal chandeliers hung like constellations overhead, and the ocean crashed against the cliffs below. Waiters in white gloves moved through the crowd with trays of champagne and caviar.
Luca stood near the bar, scanning the room. His father was nowhere to be seen—typical. Victor liked to make an entrance.
Kate leaned in. "You look like you're waiting for something."
"Maybe I am."
And then he saw her.
Lila.
She stepped into the ballroom like she owned it. Alone. Unbothered. Her eyes scanned the crowd, unaware of the storm she'd just walked into.
Luca's breath caught.
Kate followed his gaze. "Oh no. Not her again."
Luca didn't respond. He was already moving.
Lila didn't see him at first. She was too busy trying to figure out who the host was. Everyone seemed to know each other. She felt like a ghost in a room full of mirrors.
Then she heard him.
"You clean up nice."
She turned.
Luca Elion.
Of course.
"You again," she said, voice flat.
"Miss me?"
"Like a migraine."
He grinned. "You always this charming?"
"Only when I'm cornered."
He stepped closer. "This is my house, you know."
She blinked. "Excuse me?"
He gestured around. "Well, technically my father's. But yeah. Welcome to the Elion estate."
Lila's stomach dropped.
No. No way.
"You're joking."
"Wish I was."
She looked around again. The opulence. The security. The guest list. It all made sense now.
Her uncle had sent her to Victor Elion's party.
And she'd walked right into the lion's den.
The rest of the night was a blur of tension.
Luca kept appearing—at the bar, near the terrace, beside her table. Always watching. Always smirking. Kate hovered too, her eyes sharp with jealousy.
Lila tried to stay composed, but her pulse betrayed her. Every time Luca looked at her, it felt like a challenge. A dare.
She didn't back down.
But she didn't run either.
Later, as the party thinned and the storm outside raged harder, Lila stepped onto the balcony for air. The ocean roared below, wild and untamed.
"You're not used to this world, are you?"
She turned. Luca again.
"I'm not impressed by it, if that's what you mean."
He leaned against the railing. "Most people are."
"I'm not most people."
"I noticed."
They stood in silence, the wind whipping around them.
"Why do you keep following me?" she asked.
"Because you're the only person here who doesn't pretend."
She looked at him. "And you're the king of pretending."
"Maybe I'm tired of it."
She didn't respond.
He stepped closer. "You don't trust me."
"No."
"Good. I don't trust me either."
She almost laughed. Almost.
Then Kate's voice rang out from inside. "Luca?"
Lila stepped back. "You should go."
"I don't want to."
"But you will."
She turned and walked away, leaving him alone with the storm.
And for the first time in a long time, Luca Elion didn't know which side he was on.