to its usual impenetrable calm. "We'll finalize the d

d. "Eight in

need to establish our narrative-how we met, how the engagement came about, and a

ing the urge to throw the ch

ess to attend to. Enjoy the rest of your evening." Without another word, he turned and strode aw

r amusement, as though she were some sort of pet project to keep him ente

ike Sebastian Cole didn't offer charity. They made de

xit, she felt a hand lightly brush her arm. Startled, s

his tone dripping with faux

d in political campaigns-sharp features, impeccable hair, and a smile that never quite

s event, Henry," she said coolly, p

gaze dipped briefly to her empty champagne flute before returning to her face. "I hear Hope H

her voice to remain steady. "If you're looking f

. I'm here to remind you that this little crusade of yours has limits. You ca

e done enough damage, He

he's your savior? He's just like me, Grace-ruthless, self-serving, and always thre

let him see the doubt he'd plante

But don't say I didn't warn you." With that, he turned and disappeared into

Sebastian's sleek black car pulled up precisely at eight. The driver,

t of Sebastian already seated, typing away on his phone. He glanced up briefly, his d

"You're punctual.

silence stretched as the car wove through the streets

one away and turned to her. "

nked. "Ex

rm. "How did we meet? You need to know it bac

donated to Hope Haven. I reached out to

faintest semblance of a smile. "Yo

t's not a lie.

'd propose to a woman I barely know. We need someth

d her arms.

y gala two years ago. You challenged me on one of my business practices, and I w

echoed, raisi

" he clarified,

urned. "Abso

we give them something to talk about, they'll b

ion we're talking a

g. "But if you want me to save your cha

idn't waver. Reluctantly, she nodded. "

, faint but victorious. "N