Chapter 5 The Gala

Chapter 5 - The Gala

The grand ballroom of the Blackwood Imperial Hotel sparkled under a sea of crystal chandeliers. Ariana had never seen such wealth gathered in one place - politicians, celebrities, CEOs, and socialites, all cloaked in silks, jewels, and power.

The dress Damien's team had selected for her fit like a second skin - a deep emerald satin gown that swept the floor. She hardly recognized herself in the mirror earlier that evening. The simple, struggling woman she had been just weeks ago felt like a distant shadow.

As she entered the ballroom, heads turned.

Some curious.

Some dismissive.

Some judging.

Ariana kept her chin high.

"Miss Greene," a smooth voice greeted behind her.

She turned to see Damien, impeccably dressed in a black tuxedo. His gaze swept over her briefly, lingering at her eyes. For once, his usual cold exterior softened - ever so slightly.

"You clean up well," he said.

"And you look as terrifying as ever, Mr. Blackwood," she replied with a small smile.

For a moment, his lips twitched with the hint of amusement.

"Stay close tonight. Caroline will be here."

Ariana's stomach tightened. Of course she would.

Damien offered his arm. It was not a request.

Tentatively, she placed her hand on his. They glided into the sea of elites, like royalty stepping onto a battlefield disguised in silk and champagne.

Caroline Blackwood found them quickly.

"Oh, how exquisite," she purred, her green eyes sharp as daggers. "I see you've brought your charming assistant."

"Caroline." Damien's tone was polite, but flat. "Behave."

"I always behave," she smiled, sipping her champagne. "Though I do wonder if bringing your employee into such... elevated company might invite unnecessary speculation."

Ariana forced herself to smile politely. "It's an honor to be here."

"I'm sure it is," Caroline whispered, stepping closer. "But be careful, dear. Men like Damien rarely have room in their world for... distractions."

Damien's jaw tensed. "Enough, Caroline."

But Caroline's smile only widened before she drifted away, leaving behind a trail of sweet perfume and venom.

Ariana exhaled quietly.

"Don't let her get to you," Damien said, his voice unexpectedly gentle.

"She won't," Ariana replied softly. "I'm not here to make friends."

Their eyes met - a subtle spark of mutual understanding.

But the evening was far from over.

As the night wore on, Ariana noticed whispers circulating - sideways glances directed at her. She was an outsider. A stranger in a gilded jungle where alliances were forged and broken with a single glance.

During a break between speeches, she stepped onto the terrace to catch her breath. The cool night air was a relief against her flushed skin.

"You shouldn't let them see your nerves."

The voice startled her. She turned to see Liam Walters - handsome, charming, and dangerous in a way very different from Damien.

"I wasn't aware I had any," Ariana answered calmly.

He smiled, stepping closer. "Ariana Greene. You're quickly becoming a topic of fascination. The assistant who captured Blackwood's attention."

She folded her arms. "I'm just doing my job."

"Of course you are," Liam said smoothly. "But be careful. In Damien's world, people who get too close often find themselves disposable."

His tone was laced with something darker - something personal.

Before Ariana could respond, Damien appeared behind them.

"Liam," Damien said, voice like ice. "I see you're up to your usual games."

Liam's smile never wavered. "Just offering a little friendly advice."

"Consider your advice unnecessary," Damien said flatly. "Ariana, we're leaving."

Without another word, he offered his arm again.

As they walked away, Ariana's heart pounded, but not from fear - from the strange electricity that always sparked when Damien was near.

For the first time since she entered his world, she wondered if she was truly the one being tested... or if he was.