Chapter 4 It Was Him

Sia's POV:

I was dressed in a strapless red gown, my hair styled in a messy bun, and adorned with my most expensive jewelry.

"After all, I was going to be the center of attention."

I stood before the Wood mansion, which was crowded with company owners-probably here to garner favor from the real heir.

"At least I could get myself a billionaire boyfriend from this event."

A chuckle escaped my lips before I strode toward the entrance.

Just as I was about to step inside, a group of men dressed in soldier uniforms blocked my path.

"Your invite, miss?" one of the soldiers asked.

I froze.

Shit.

Realization dawned on me-I needed an invite to access an event like this.

Even though I had been married to Ashton for years, I never received the privilege of attending any of their prestigious gatherings.

Now, this was embarrassing.

"I'll make a call first," I answered quickly before stepping away.

I had spent countless nights in this mansion, so I knew my way around.

Without hesitation, I slipped through the garden entrance, making my way down the long corridor that led to the reception hall.

"Stop!"

A deep voice called from behind.

Slowly, I turned around-

And my gaze met someone very familiar.

OH. FUCK.

It was the man from the club last night.

"You..." I stammered, my face heating up as I scanned the area, making sure no one else was around.

He was dressed in an all-black suit, exuding power. He took a few steps toward me, his eyes locked on mine.

"Why did you sneak in?" he asked, his voice calm yet firm.

I nearly exploded.

Was that really the first thing he could ask me?

Didn't he remember me?

"What? Are you the cops?" I snorted, turning to leave.

If he wanted to pretend he didn't know me, then fine-I'd do the same.

Two could play that game.

It was probably for the best.

To my dismay, he grabbed my hand and pulled me back, his arm wrapping around my waist.

"Are you really this good at avoiding responsibility for your actions?" he questioned, his voice dangerously low.

I exhaled sharply.

Standing this close to him made me feel hot all over.

Needing space, I took a step back and folded my arms beneath my chest.

"Why are you so petty? Are you really going to make a fuss just because I snuck in?"

Of course, he had to-it was illegal.

It might be his duty to secure the event, but couldn't he make one exception?

We had intercourse, for Christ's sake.

His next words nearly made me choke.

"You took advantage of me last night, and instead of taking responsibility, you ran away," he shamelessly accused.

I gasped in disbelief.

So... he did remember me.

He remembered our steamy night.

But-excuse me?

I took advantage of him?

I shoved him away, my face burning.

"I took advantage of you?" I repeated in utter disbelief.

We were both adults.

We both made that mistake.

We could only blame ourselves.

I didn't have time for this nonsense.

Taking a deep breath, I admitted, "To be honest, I had a good time last night..."

His eyes darkened slightly.

"...but that's it."

I held up a finger. "First..."

"I am a married woman in the process of a divorce, which means I literally committed adultery."

I noticed his brows furrow at my revelation.

"Second..." I signaled with my fingers again.

"You're definitely my type, but I don't date security guards."

He was hot and good in bed, but I wasn't about to go back to the slums.

Without waiting for his response, I turned on my heels and strode down the corridor, finally arriving at the reception hall.

The room was filled with highly influential guests, all dressed in luxury.

My gaze swept across the hall, searching for Ethan Brooks.

But then-

My eyes landed on the podium.

Standing there, acting like the host, was Ashton.

And next to him?

His little slut, Kira.

"Ladies and gentlemen, it's an honor to have you all here," Ashton spoke into the mic.

I rolled my eyes.

Pretending to be the perfect gentleman, huh?

Why was he acting like the host when he was nothing more than a fraud?

"Let's welcome the man of the hour. He is not only my uncle but also the master of the great Wood and Fernando families."

Ashton forced a grimace that he thought looked like a smile.

But I could tell it was fake.

He had just discovered that his father wasn't the true master of the family.

That meant he wasn't the heir.

So why the fuck was he smiling like he had just won the lottery?

I narrowed my eyes and mouthed my warning.

"I will ruin you."

Ashton's gaze flickered to me, and I hoped he read my lips loud and clear.

Then, he spoke into the mic again.

"Ethan Brooks."

The hall erupted with applause, then fell into a hushed silence as everyone eagerly waited to see the man who wasn't just drowning in wealth-

But also in power.

My heart pounded as I watched the figure step forward.

And then-

My brows furrowed.

My chest tightened.

My breath caught in my throat.

Because-

It was him.

My partner from last night.

HOLY. FUCK.

"Hello, Uncle," Ashton greeted, extending a handshake.

My stomach dropped.

Uncle?

Was his uncle supposed to be that young?

And why-

Why the hell was it him?

Ethan's gaze scanned the crowd-

Until his eyes landed on me.

He raised a brow.

I clenched my fists.

Oh, geez.

Did I just get into trouble with the master of the Wood family?