Chapter 4 The Gala Game

The flash of cameras hit Jesse like a wave as soon as they stepped onto the red carpet.

He tightened his grip on Alina's waist. It was all for show, of course-just part of the performance. But the feel of her beside him, the heat of her skin beneath that silk dress, didn't feel like just business.

Alina didn't flinch under the lights. Her gown shimmered like molten gold, hugging every line of her frame, her makeup flawless, expression icy and unreadable.

She whispered out of the side of her mouth, "Smile like I'm telling you a secret, and do not say anything unless I cue you."

"Roger that," Jesse murmured, pasting on a grin. "You're the boss, darling."

She gave him a side-eye so sharp it could've sliced diamonds-but her hand stayed exactly where it was, resting lightly on his chest as they posed.

The Annual Sterling Foundation Gala was held in the ballroom of the Lexington Hotel-a place so rich, even the chandeliers looked like they had their own trust funds. Socialites, CEOs, and billionaires filled the room like it was a chessboard of power.

As they walked through the crowd, Jesse noticed how people stared at them-curious, skeptical, sometimes even impressed.

"Who's that?" he overheard someone whisper.

Alina leaned in just enough to sell the intimacy. "This is where they either fall for the lie, or try to expose it."

He chuckled quietly. "You're really having fun with this."

"I don't have fun," she replied. "I win."

They stopped when a woman with red lips and too much old money in her bones stepped up.

"Alina," the woman purred. "And... this must be the fiancé?"

"Jesse Kane," Alina said coolly. "My future husband."

The woman gave him a once-over. "How charmingly... rugged."

"Built my own fence once," Jesse said, offering a grin. "Real romantic stuff."

Alina's elbow pressed just slightly into his ribs. He was learning her silent language now-don't push it.

They made the rounds, dancing the social waltz of fake laughs and handshake diplomacy. But somewhere between champagne flutes and charity pledges, Jesse caught her looking at him.

Not professionally. Not critically.

Just... looking.

"You okay?" he asked, voice low.

She blinked, almost surprised he noticed. "You clean up better than I expected."

"You mean I'm passing the test?"

She hesitated, then gave a small nod. "You're not completely hopeless."

The music changed. A slow, elegant waltz.

Jesse held out his hand. "Dance with me. Make them believe."

Alina stared at him like he'd asked for a classified document-but then she took his hand.

And when they stepped onto the floor, moving together in perfect rhythm under chandeliers and judgmental eyes, the line between lie and reality began to blur.