Olivia's POV
Sofia leaned close again. "You do know he's coming over, right?"
I blinked. "Who?"
She tilted her head. "Lord Frederick."
And as if on cue, I felt the shift in the air. That slight silence, the hush of curious eyes… and then I smelled his scent—subtle but unmistakable.
I turned just in time to see him approach. The way he moved made it feel like the entire room adjusted around him.
"Olivia," he said with a soft smile, his voice rich and smooth as ever. "You look… radiant tonight."
I dipped my head politely. "Thank you, Lord Frederick."
He gently reached for my hand, and before I could even react, he raised it to his lips and kissed the back of it. His cool lips brushed my skin, and the gesture was so regal it felt straight out of a different century.
Then he turned to Sofia. "It's good to see you again, Sofia."
She smiled warmly. "Happy birthday, Frederick."