Time seemed to freeze at that moment. Caught between struggle and reluctance, a thousand unspoken words seemed to appear in Ethan''s eyes.


    He smiled faintly at me. The corners of lips curved in a way that was almost bittersweet.


    I turned away. I couldn''t bring myself to meet his gaze. My heart pounded painfully in my chest, as though it might leap from my throat.


    Vivian was still arm-in-arm with Ethan. She smiled radiantly as she greeted the guests. She exuded beauty and charm, the very epitome of a darling in high society.


    And here I was just a rising star on the runway and a humble designer at a small publicly listedpany. How could I everpete with the heir of a global empire like Mars Group?


    I forced a bitter smile. I took the ss of champagne and downed it in one motion. The bitter liquid burned as it slid down my throat, leaving a lingering heat in its wake.


    Perhaps it was time to let go after all. But I had no one to me but myself. When Ethan knelt before me and offered me a ring, I had refused.


    Just then, a stranger appeared before me. He was well-dressed in a suit. He looked older, yet there was something unsettling about him.


    "Ms. Wiley, It''s a pleasure to finally meet you. I''m Rowan Erd, CEO of Rovera Group." Rowan extended his hand. "May I have the honor of this dance?"


    I hesitated for a moment and nced toward Ethan. But he was already surrounded by guests and swallowed up by the crowd.


    Rovera Group? That was a corporate empire that rivaled Grayson Group.


    Rowan was known to be a maniptive man. He easily toyed with women''s emotions without ever trulymitting. Still, I hesitated only a moment before cing my hand in his. What did it matter? I had nothing to lose anymore.


    Instead of tormenting myself further, I decided to let go and teach Ethan a lesson.


    Rowan appeared pleased with my response and led me to the center of the dance floor.


    The soft melody filled the air as we moved together in sync. I kept my gaze down and tried to avoid looking in Ethan''s direction.


    But I couldn''t shake the feeling that his intense gaze was locked on me. It cut through the crowd andnded on me.


    Rowan drew me closer. He whispered in my ear, "Ms. Wiley, you look absolutely stunning tonight."


    I forced a smile and didn''t respond.


    The song finally came to an end. Rowan took my hand and ced a gentle kiss on the back of it.


    Murmurs of admiration rippled through the crowd. It felt as though every pair of eyes was fixed on us. A faint blush crept onto my cheeks. As difort prickled at me, I tried to withdraw my hand.


    But just then, I caught sight of Ethan''s stormy expression. His intense gaze was locked on me and Rowan. His lips were pressed into a tight line.


    Rowan, seemingly aware of Ethan''s


    simmering hostility, responded with a subtle, provocative smile. He slid his arm around my waist and nonchntly guided me away from the dance floor.


    My heart ached painfully. But wasn''t this all Ethan''s doing? He was the one who pushed me away. And now, what right did he have to feel jealous?


    Swallowing the bitter ache that swelled in my chest, I allowed Rowan to lead me to the balcony. The cool night breeze swept over me clearing the fog of emotions clouding my thoughts.


    "Ms. Wiley, would you do me the honor of joining me for dinner?" Rowan suddenly asked.


    I froze. I was caught off guard by his boldness.


    "I''m sorry, I-"


    Before I could decline, a cold voice interrupted from behind. "Apologies, Mr. Erd. Evelyn has a prior engagement and won''t be able to go with you."


    Startled, I turned to see Ethan standing at the entrance to the balcony. His striking features were carved in frost. His expression was unreadable but menacing.


    "Oh? Evelyn?" Rowan raised an eyebrow. His gaze flickered to me with amused intrigue. "Mr. Grayson, could it be you''re not ready to let your former me stand on her own?"


    Ethan''s expression darkened further. Without hesitation, he strode over and tugged me into his arms. "You''re mistaken, Mr. Erd. Evelyn is mine. I—"


    "That remains to be seen," Rowan cut in with a derisive sneer.


    "I never said I intended to..."