After leaving Mr. Climate's side, Jace turned to Selena, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. "Go find somewhere to sit. I'll be tied up for a while—people want to speak with me, and I don't want you standing for too long in those heels."
Selena's chest fluttered at his words. His thoughtfulness, so subtle yet unmistakable, made her heart race. She nodded, offering a small smile before moving through the bustling crowd. First, she paused at the food table, selecting a few delicate canapés, then she spotted a quiet corner away from the press of guests, perfect for a few moments of calm.
Sitting down, she allowed herself a small breath of relief. The shimmer of her velvet gown caught the light, making her feel regal and confident, yet she reminded herself: Just three months… nothing more. Her fingers lightly dug into the palm of her hand, grounding herself.
Melissa had been watching from across the hall, noting how effortlessly Jace had handled the gift-giving and the attention of other guests. She had approached him earlier, trying to spark conversation, but he had barely acknowledged her.
Now, seeing an opportunity, she moved closer, acting casual. "Jace," she said softly, pretending surprise, "are you here alone tonight?"
Jace's gaze flicked briefly toward her, sharp and neutral. "I came with my secretary," he replied simply, then returned to engaging with his guests. His tone was calm, detached—firmly setting boundaries without being rude.
Melissa blinked, momentarily thrown by the lack of reaction. Ignored… again. Her lips pressed into a thin line, frustration flickering across her face. She scanned the room, searching for the woman who had effortlessly captured his attention.
Not long after, her eyes landed on Selena, seated quietly in the corner, enjoying a few bites of her food. She looked elegant, serene, and perfectly composed despite the shimmer of her gown and the subtle pressure of her heels.
Melissa's lips curved into a small, calculating smile. This was her moment. She would make her presence felt and assert herself, even if it meant subtly challenging Selena.
As she moved toward her, Melissa noted the effortless poise with which Selena carried herself. Every movement, every glance, radiated quiet confidence. So this is the woman Jace brought with him… A quiet tension ignited in Melissa's chest. She would not be overlooked.
Selena, blissfully unaware of Melissa's approach, lifted her glass to her lips, savoring a few moments of peace. Her eyes occasionally flicked toward Jace, noticing him across the crowd, but she felt secure. His subtle consideration—the way he had ensured she wouldn't have to stand too long—lingered in her mind, warming her heart.
Melissa finally reached her table, a polite smile in place, though her eyes carried a spark of determination. Selena looked up, offering a courteous nod in greeting, unaware that the woman before her was a potential rival, watching and calculating every detail.
The birthday party continued around them, full of laughter, music, and clinking glasses, but in that quiet corner, a silent confrontation was about to begin—a subtle battle of charm, presence, and unspoken intentions.