She stepped back immediately, tears filling her eyes once more as if nothing had happened.
I bent down to pick up my bag from the floor. The zipper had come undone during the struggle, and a white envelope slipped out.
It landed at Apollo's feet.
My heart stopped.
Apollo bent down and picked it up.
His brows slowly furrowed as his eyes scanned the envelope before lifting to meet mine.
“What's this?” He turned it over in his hand, studying it. “Since when do you keep documents hidden in your bag?”
Panic exploded inside me and without thinking, I lunged at him.
Apollo wasn't expecting it.
We both stumbled, and the envelope slipped from his hand.
I grabbed it before he could read another word.
My heartbeat thundered so loudly I thought everyone in the room could hear it.
“It's nothing.” I forced a smile despite the panic clawing at my chest. “Just thick paper. I bought it for a craft project, that's all.”
Apollo frowned as he dusted off his suit.
“For fuck's sake, Elara.” He sounded more irritated than suspicious. “You're not a little kid anymore. Stop acting so damn clumsy.”
Quietly, I released the breath I'd been holding.
He didn't ask another question.
Instead, he adjusted his cuffs.
“There's a charity banquet tomorrow night.” His gaze settled on me. “Get yourself ready. You're coming with me, and don't make another scene.”
I wanted to refuse.
More than anything.
But I couldn't risk making him suspicious.
Not now.
Just seven more days.
I only had to endure seven more days.
The following evening, Apollo's black armored Rolls-Royce came to a stop outside one of Chicago's most luxurious hotels.
The moment I stepped out, cameras flashed from every direction.
The host hurried over with a bright smile.
“Mr. Riccio, it's been far too long. We're honored that you could attend tonight.”
His gaze shifted to Agatha.
She wore a breathtaking custom-made crimson gown, while diamonds glittered around her neck. Anyone looking at her would have assumed she belonged at Apollo's side.
The host smiled knowingly.
“And this beautiful young lady must be your fiancée, Miss Redd.”
Agatha covered her mouth with a soft laugh.
“Oh, you've misunderstood.” She lowered her gaze shyly before looking at me. “I'm only Mr. Riccio's assistant... and Elarisse's half-sister. My sister is the real fiancée. She's just always been sick, so fragile and delicate. I could never compare to her.”
Apollo chuckled.
Instead of correcting the misunderstanding, he reached over and lightly flicked the tip of her nose.
“You little troublemaker.” His voice carried unmistakable affection. “You talk too much. Nobody outside is going to spoil you the way I do, so you'd better behave.”
Laughter rippled through the crowd.
Agatha stuck out her tongue playfully before wrapping both arms around Apollo's.
“So that's all I'll ever be to you?” She looked up at him with innocent eyes and smiled. “Just your little assistant? Or... are you planning to make me something more, Don Apollo?”
Apollo let out a low chuckle and gently flicked her forehead.
“You've got a mouth on you.” His eyes softened with amusement. “Keep talking like that in public, and people are really going to think I spoil you too damn much.”
She pouted dramatically before resting her head against his shoulder anyway.
“Then let them think whatever they want.” She hugged his arm even tighter. “It's not like I care what other people say.”
I couldn't watch anymore.
Every second felt like another knife twisting inside my chest.
Quietly, I turned around.
I just wanted to leave.
“Elara.”
Apollo's voice stopped me cold.
I froze.
The warmth he'd shown Agatha disappeared the instant he looked at me.
“Where the hell do you think you're going?” His brows knitted together. “The banquet's about to start, so don't wander around making people look for you.”
“I...” I lowered my eyes. “I just needed some air. I'll be back in a minute.”
He didn't even respond.
Instead, he pulled Agatha closer as they walked toward the ballroom.
“Enough.” His voice turned gentle again. “Quit acting spoiled. Are you trying to embarrass me in front of everyone?”
Agatha giggled.
“Maybe.” She smiled mischievously. “What if I like seeing you panic over me?”
Apollo shook his head with a helpless smile.
“You little brat.” He sighed with obvious affection. “One of these days, you're really going to test my patience.”
I followed behind them.
Always two steps behind.
My simple white dress looked painfully plain beneath the glittering chandeliers. Walking behind them, I looked less like Apollo's fiancée and more like someone trailing after them with their belongings.
People noticed.
Of course they noticed.
High society had always been the same. They worshipped power and trampled anyone who'd fallen. Apollo's attitude toward me told them everything they needed to know.
Every glance I received carried either pity or contempt.
After several rounds of drinks, someone stepped into my path.
The smell of expensive liquor reached me before I even looked up.
Lambert Gray.
The eldest son of the Gray family.
His face was already flushed from drinking as he lazily swirled the whiskey in his glass while looking me up and down.
“Well...” A disgusting grin spread across his face. “If it isn't the famous Miss Redd. So this is what the little princess looks like up close. My God... no wonder your father hid you away. You really are beautiful.”
The moment I recognized him, my blood ran cold.
Years ago, he'd tried to kidnap me.
His men had surrounded my car outside the hospital. If Apollo's bodyguards hadn't arrived in time, I didn't even want to imagine what would've happened.
Apollo had nearly started a war with the Gray family over it.
People said he'd broken into Lambert's estate that very night and beaten him so badly that even his own mother couldn't recognize him.
Lambert had never forgotten.
Neither had I.
I immediately took a step back.
“I don't want any trouble.” My voice stayed calm despite the fear creeping through me. “Please move aside and let me pass.”
He laughed.
“But I do.” His smile widened. “I've been waiting a long time to run into you again.”
His hand shot out and wrapped around my waist before I could react.
I gasped.
His other hand slid toward my thigh.
My entire body stiffened.
“Let go of me!” I struggled against his grip. “Don't touch me!”
Lambert leaned closer until I could smell the alcohol on his breath.
“What are you acting so fucking innocent for?” He smirked shamelessly. “Everyone knows Don Apollo's got himself a new favorite. You've already been thrown away, but I don't mind. I'll gladly take what's left.”
My stomach turned.
Without thinking, I grabbed the nearest wine glass and threw its contents straight into his face.
Red wine drenched his expensive suit.
For one brief moment...
The entire ballroom fell silent.
Then Lambert exploded.
“You bitch!” He staggered backward, pointing at me with a furious expression. “How dare you embarrass me in front of everyone? Do you have any idea who you're dealing with?”
His roar echoed through the ballroom.
Every guest turned toward us.
