them pressing down on her chest. She glanced at Sebastian, his expression as calm and

, folding her arms ti

y, standing from his chair, "

"What does th

race. Public appearances, events, dinners-things that will convince people this engagement is r

ch churned. "

it natural, nothing too posed. Think candid, intimate moments-a stroll in

s gaze fixed on Grace. "It'll

ny. You're making this sound

ils. I'll have the PR schedule sent over by the end of the day." She paused, giving Grace a pointed l

t exited the room, leaving

ing to the surface. "Do you always stea

e. "I don't steamroll, Grace. I negotiate. It

you're as good at pretending to

s. For a moment, she thought he might say some

'm very convincing

eart skip, but she quickly looked aw

ttered. "Where

illing the room. "Tonight. There's a charity gala at the Four

Tonight? Are you seriou

matter-of-fact. "People expect me to make bol

to wear," she protested, p

. "You have seven hours. I'll

in disbelief. "You

ed worse," he r

gh her hair. This wasn't just stepping out of her com

before pocketing it. "I have a meeting to attend. My

used just before leaving, turning

pped, her patie

're enjoying yourself tonight. It

leaving her standing there with a mix

reflection in the full-length mirror. The deep sapphire gown Sebastian's team had sent fit her like a glove, the fabric

her thoughts. Taking a deep breath, she grabbed h

a classic black tuxedo. When she slid into the seat beside h

p well," he

oice laced with sarcasm. "I'

nd. Instead, he turned his attention t

nsion between them palpable. Grace couldn't he

ended a hand to help her out. His touch was firm but impersonal,

is voice low enough

mitted, her

mirk. "Keep that energy. It'll

ave time to argue as they step

r Sebastian's arm. He didn't pull away; instead, he adjusted his posture

ers erupted into a frenzy, shouting questions and

Who's the l

the we

ue you've been dating i

's calm demeanor didn't falter. He l

urmured. "The

e cameras, feeling more like a deer caught in headl

d never leaving her back. As they entered, a hush

't just stepping into Sebastian's world-