Chapter 4 4

The words hung in the air like a foreboding promise, and Grace could feel the weight of them pressing down on her chest. She glanced at Sebastian, his expression as calm and controlled as ever, and resisted the urge to wipe that self-satisfied smirk off his face.

"Now what?" she asked, folding her arms tightly across her chest.

"Now," Sebastian said smoothly, standing from his chair, "we introduce you to my world."

Grace frowned. "What does that even mean?"

Evelyn interjected before Sebastian could respond. "It means you'll need to be seen together, Grace. Public appearances, events, dinners-things that will convince people this engagement is real. We'll also arrange for a professional photoshoot to establish your chemistry for the media."

Grace's stomach churned. "A photoshoot?"

"Don't worry," Evelyn said with a dismissive wave of her hand. "We'll make it natural, nothing too posed. Think candid, intimate moments-a stroll in Central Park, a quiet dinner at a high-end restaurant. That sort of thing."

Sebastian crossed his arms, his gaze fixed on Grace. "It'll be painless if you cooperate."

Grace shot him a glare. "Funny. You're making this sound like a doctor's appointment."

Evelyn's phone buzzed, and she glanced at it before standing. "I'll leave you two to go over the details. I'll have the PR schedule sent over by the end of the day." She paused, giving Grace a pointed look. "And Grace, remember: the more convincing you are, the easier this will be for everyone involved."

With that, Evelyn and Robert exited the room, leaving Grace alone with Sebastian.

She turned to him, her irritation bubbling to the surface. "Do you always steamroll people into getting what you want?"

Sebastian's lips twitched, but he didn't smile. "I don't steamroll, Grace. I negotiate. It's not my fault if I'm better at it than most."

Her jaw tightened. "Well, I hope you're as good at pretending to care as you are at negotiating."

He stepped closer, his dark eyes locked on hers. For a moment, she thought he might say something cutting, but instead, his tone softened.

"You'll find that I'm very convincing when I want to be."

The intensity of his gaze made her heart skip, but she quickly looked away, refusing to let him unnerve her.

"Fine," she muttered. "Where do we start?"

Sebastian straightened, his commanding presence immediately filling the room. "Tonight. There's a charity gala at the Four Seasons. We'll make our first public appearance as a couple."

Grace's eyes widened. "Tonight? Are you serious? That's way too soon!"

"Not for someone like me," he said, his tone matter-of-fact. "People expect me to make bold moves. Waiting will only invite suspicion."

"I don't even have anything to wear," she protested, panic creeping into her voice.

Sebastian glanced at his watch. "You have seven hours. I'll have someone send over options."

She stared at him in disbelief. "You're unbelievable."

"I've been called worse," he replied smoothly.

Grace let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair. This wasn't just stepping out of her comfort zone-this was leaping into a whole new universe.

Sebastian's phone buzzed, and he glanced at the screen before pocketing it. "I have a meeting to attend. My driver will pick you up at seven sharp. Don't be late."

He started toward the door but paused just before leaving, turning back to face her. "Oh, and Grace?"

"What?" she snapped, her patience wearing thin.

He smirked. "Try to look like you're enjoying yourself tonight. It'll make the act more believable."

Before she could respond, he was gone, leaving her standing there with a mix of fury and dread swirling inside her.

By the time seven o'clock rolled around, Grace was a bundle of nerves. She stood in her small apartment, staring at her reflection in the full-length mirror. The deep sapphire gown Sebastian's team had sent fit her like a glove, the fabric hugging her curves before cascading to the floor in elegant waves. It was beautiful, but it felt like someone else's life.

The sound of a car horn outside snapped her out of her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed her clutch and made her way down to the waiting car.

Sebastian was already inside, looking effortlessly dashing in a classic black tuxedo. When she slid into the seat beside him, he gave her a quick once-over, his expression unreadable.

"You clean up well," he said finally.

"Thanks," she replied, her voice laced with sarcasm. "I'm glad I meet your standards."

His lips twitched, but he didn't respond. Instead, he turned his attention to the window as the car began to move.

The ride to the Four Seasons was quiet, the tension between them palpable. Grace couldn't help but wonder if she was making a huge mistake.

When they arrived, the doorman opened her door, and Sebastian extended a hand to help her out. His touch was firm but impersonal, and she forced herself to smile as cameras flashed in the distance.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice low enough for only her to hear.

"No," she admitted, her pulse racing.

"Good," he said with a faint smirk. "Keep that energy. It'll make you seem more authentic."

She glared at him but didn't have time to argue as they stepped into the spotlight together.

The flashes of cameras were blinding, and Grace instinctively reached for Sebastian's arm. He didn't pull away; instead, he adjusted his posture to bring her closer, his hand resting lightly on the small of her back.

The effect was immediate. The crowd of photographers erupted into a frenzy, shouting questions and snapping photos like their lives depended on it.

"Mr. Cole! Who's the lucky lady?"

"When's the wedding?"

"Grace Parker, is it true you've been dating in secret for two years?"

Grace's cheeks burned, but Sebastian's calm demeanor didn't falter. He leaned down, his lips brushing her ear.

"Smile," he murmured. "They're watching."

Forcing a bright smile, Grace waved awkwardly at the cameras, feeling more like a deer caught in headlights than the poised fiancée she was supposed to be.

Sebastian led her into the grand ballroom, his hand never leaving her back. As they entered, a hush fell over the crowd, followed by a wave of whispers.

Grace felt her throat tighten. This wasn't just stepping into Sebastian's world-it was diving headfirst into a shark tank.