Jenny and James stepped into the ballroom together. Side by side. Arm in arm.
The air inside shimmered. Light bounced off crystals and glass. Music floated around them like a perfume. Heads turned as soon as they entered. Eyes followed them. Mouths whispered.
It was the entrance everyone would remember.
The Universe Jewelry Fifth Anniversary Gala had officially begun.
The chandeliers above hung low. They glowed like stars caught in gold cages. Their warm light spilled across the marble floors. Everything sparkled. From the floors to the walls to the diamond cases.
Jewels sat like treasures in glass. Diamonds. Emeralds. Sapphires. Rubies. Every stone had its own spotlight. Each one glittered like a secret waiting to be told.
A string quartet played in the corner. Their music was soft and smooth. The sound wrapped itself around the guests like silk. People clinked glasses. Laughed in short bursts. They spoke in soft voices.
James walked slowly. His black tuxedo fit perfectly. The cut was sharp. Clean. It made his shoulders look broader. His steps were confident. Calm. He didn't need to say anything. He carried power without trying.
Jenny walked beside him. Her emerald gown moved like liquid. Every step made it shimmer. The color matched her eyes. Her makeup was flawless. Her heels didn't make a sound.
She held his arm lightly. Her fingers rested just above his wrist. Her touch was gentle. But steady. There was something burning under her stillness.
James could feel it. Her touch lingered longer than it needed to. His arm stiffened for a second. He didn't say a word. But the moment from earlier—in the car—was still with him. It lived under his skin.
They moved through the crowd. People smiled. Some bowed their heads slightly. Others reached out to shake James's hand. Business partners. Friends of the family. Investors. Socialites.
Everyone wanted to be seen speaking to them.
James kept his tone polite. Short. Focused. Jenny smiled when she needed to. She didn't speak much. But she didn't need to. Her presence did the work.
Then the lights dimmed.
A hush spread across the room. The spotlight found the stage. The jewel presentation was about to begin.
Models walked out. One by one. Each wore pieces from the newest collection. The designs were stunning. Detailed. Bold. People leaned forward to get a better look.
Gasps filled the air. A few claps broke out. Then applause rolled through the room.
Jenny leaned closer. Her lips almost touched James's ear.
"Uncle," she whispered. Her voice was soft. And teasing. "These pieces are beautiful. You really gave it your all."
James didn't turn. His eyes stayed on the stage.
"The team worked hard," he said. His voice was flat. Cool. "I just hope the results show."
He didn't take the bait. Not directly. But his arm shifted under her hand.
Jenny noticed. She smiled to herself.
Then the energy in the room changed.
The ballroom doors opened. Hard. Sharp.
A woman entered.
She wore red.
The dress shimmered with every step. It hugged her body. Her chin was high. Her lips were calm. But her eyes were sharp. Focused.
Elizabeth Spencer had arrived.
She walked slowly. But her steps were full of purpose. The heels clicked against marble like small gunshots.
People turned. Heads followed her. She expected it. She was born into diamonds. She carried herself like she owned every one of them.
Her eyes scanned the room. Then landed on James.
Then on Jenny.
Her steps picked up.
She moved faster. Straighter. Like she had a point to prove.
When she reached them, she smiled. But it was a practiced smile. It didn't touch her eyes.
"James," she said. Her voice was sweet. Like syrup with a bitter aftertaste. "You didn't invite me."
She leaned in slightly. "I thought I'd be at your side tonight. We are getting married soon, after all."
Jenny blinked. Her hand tightened around her champagne glass.
James didn't move.
"I already have a companion tonight," he said.
His voice was even. Calm.
Elizabeth's smile faltered.
She turned to Jenny.
"Oh," she said. Lightly. "It's just your sister-in-law. That explains it."
Then she looked back at James.
"Still, we both know the alliance between our families isn't just gossip."
James didn't blink.
"Miss Spencer," he said. "What others plan doesn't concern me."
His eyes held steady.
"I choose who stands beside me."
Silence followed.
Elizabeth's lips pressed tight. Then she turned. Her heels hit harder this time.
She walked away.
People watched.
Jenny exhaled. She hadn't realized she was holding her breath.
James didn't look at her.
Neither of them said anything.
The music picked back up. Guests turned away. But the energy in the room had changed. Just a little.
Then the lights flickered.
Then they went out.
Gasps echoed in the dark. Someone bumped into Jenny. Her hand jerked. Her wine spilled.
She felt it soak into her gown. Cold. Sticky. A splash hit James too. His shirt clung to him.
"Jenny," he said.
His hand found her arm.
"Are you alright?"
She looked down. "I think I got some on you," she whispered.
Her heart was racing.
The lights came back. Hotel staff rushed in. They looked panicked.
James raised a hand.
"We're fine," he said. Calm. Firm. "Just make sure it doesn't happen again."
Then he turned to Jenny.
"Come," he said. "I have clothes ready. Let's change."
They left the ballroom. People stared. A few whispered.
Jenny held up the stained hem of her gown. James adjusted his sleeves. His shirt stuck to his chest.
They walked down the hall. Quiet.
They reached the guest suites.
James opened a door. He motioned her inside.
She nodded. Walked in. The room was bright and clean.
A new gown waited for her. Soft silk. Pale blue.
She changed quickly. The dress fit perfectly.
When she finished, she stood still.
She looked at the door across the hall.
His door.
She walked over. Slowly.
She raised her hand.
She knocked.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
No answer.
She tried the handle.
It turned.
Unlocked.
She stepped in. Quiet.
She locked the door behind her.
Steam kissed her skin. Silence curled around her.
Then James stepped out.
Bare. Wet. Still.
Their eyes met—and didn't let go.
No words.
No movement.
Just heat.
It poured from the air, from his skin, from the space between them.
And neither of them looked away.