Episode 23

From across the ballroom, Damien adjusted his coat with a casual gesture, glancing at Gabriel appraisingly. The cut of his coat was perfect, every detail meticulously in place.

"I must admit, Sinclair, seeing you this well-dressed is a rarity. I almost mistook you for a true noble."

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, casting him an amused look. "What a charming observation, Damien. Should I feel flattered?"

Damien chuckled, giving his friend a light pat on the shoulder. "I only speak the truth. You’ve always been more at ease with salt-stained boots and unbuttoned shirts. But look on the bright side, perhaps Lilian will appreciate the change."

Gabriel did not reply immediately. Instead, he ran his fingers over his cuff, adjusting it, before scanning the ballroom. "Lilian knows me well enough to understand that my attire does not change who I am."

Damien tilted his head slightly, a mischievous smirk on his lips. "Perhaps. But I also know that you know how to use your charm to your advantage. Maybe it’s time to apply those tactics with Lilian."

Gabriel remained silent. His eyes had already found Lilian across the ballroom, and at that moment, everything else became irrelevant. Damien, following the line of his gaze, shook his head with a knowing grin.

"You won’t rest until she’s in your arms, will you?"

Gabriel was quiet for a moment, but the intensity in his gaze said everything. "Some things cannot be ignored."

Damien let out a brief laugh. "Then the moment has come. Good luck, Sinclair."

Gabriel needed no further encouragement. He crossed the ballroom, each step firm and deliberate, closing the distance between himself and Lilian. He stopped before her, and the depth of his gaze stirred something inside her, tightening her chest and making her heart falter.

"Lilian," he murmured, his voice low, intimate.

She swallowed, her fingers tightening around the stem of her glass. "Gabriel."

The space between them was insignificant, his presence enveloping her. But before she could react, a shadow appeared beside her.

Whitaker.

"Lady Lilian, would you grant me this dance?"

The tone was courteous, but the rigidity in his voice betrayed the fact that this was not a request. It was an order. Lilian hesitated, feeling Gabriel’s gaze on her like a silent promise. But, surrounded by the crowded ballroom and the unspoken rules of her world, she had no choice. With an elegant nod, she accepted.

Whitaker pulled her onto the dance floor without the slightest delicacy, holding her too tightly and his fingers pressing into her waist like a warning. He leaned in slightly, his voice low, drawn out, laced with mockery.

"I have tolerated your whims long enough, my dear. But we both know your place. You are my fiancée, whether you like it or not."

Lilian felt a chill spread across her skin at the veiled threat. Before she could respond, Lady Penelope appeared at her side, her expression composed, her tone flawlessly cordial.

"Lord Whitaker, I believe Lilian might need a moment to catch her breath. The night is still young, and I am certain you wish to see her dazzle us for many hours to come."

Whitaker’s smile remained, but his eyes narrowed slightly. He could not refuse without appearing rude, not before Lady Penelope, nor before the many discreetly observing guests.

"Of course," he replied with the required formality, releasing Lilian’s hand reluctant. "After all, we wouldn’t want her to exhaust herself too soon."

Lady Penelope gently placed a hand on her goddaughter’s arm, guiding her away from Whitaker with unhurried steps. Her expression remained serene, but her grip was firm. When they were at a safe distance, she turned to Lilian, speaking in a tone both gentle and pointed.

"My dear, this night is yours. Do not let a single pair of hands hold you for too long. I am quite certain Lord Sinclair would not refuse a dance with you."

Before Lilian could respond, she felt the warmth of a hand enveloping hers.

"If Lady Lilian permits," Gabriel murmured, his voice low and enthralling, "I would be honored to have this dance."

Her gaze lifted to his, meeting those piercing blue eyes that always seemed to see too much.

"You needn’t have insisted on this dance," Lilian murmured, trying to ignore the effect of his nearness.

Gabriel leaned in slightly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "And miss the only chance I have to hold you in my arms tonight? That would be a waste."

Lilian averted her gaze, but the way he held her would not allow her to escape. "You are impossible."

Gabriel squeezed her hand lightly, guiding her with effortless grace.