Chapter 4

Elias's POV

The ballroom of the Cosmos Group Gala was dazzling, but Elias Sterling felt like he was suffocating.

He checked his Patek Philippe watch. 8:30 PM.

Nora wasn't answering her phone.

She was never unreachable. For seven years, she had been a constant, predictable presence.

She was the quiet shadow that anchored his sanity when the flashing cameras and fake corporate smiles became too much.

A delicate hand brushed his shoulder.

The heavy, cloying scent of gardenia perfume hit his senses.

"Stop checking your phone, baby," Chloe whispered, her manicured nails tracing the lapel of his tailored Brioni suit.