His eyes repeatedly drifted back to Juliet's signature.
Again.
And again.
And again.
As though he were waiting for it to somehow disappear.
As though staring at it long enough would prove that it wasn't real.
But no matter how many times he looked, the signature remained exactly where it was.
And the strange uneasiness inside his chest only continued to grow.
Later that evening, the city's elite gathered at one of East Street's most prestigious auction houses.
The historic building stood illuminated beneath thousands of golden lights, its elegant architecture glowing against the night sky. A long line of luxury vehicles filled the entrance as influential businessmen, wealthy heirs, socialites, and corporate leaders arrived one after another.
Valets moved efficiently between the vehicles while reporters and photographers waited near the entrance.
Inside, crystal chandeliers hung from the soaring ceilings, scattering warm light throughout the magnificent ballroom.
Soft music drifted through the air.
Champagne glasses clinked together.
Laughter and conversation echoed from every corner of the room as guests discussed investments, partnerships, acquisitions, and future business ventures.
The atmosphere was sophisticated and lively.
The moment Vincent stepped through the entrance alongside Griffin, Nolan, and Alexa, his eyes immediately swept across the ballroom.
His gaze moved methodically through the crowd.
One side of the room.
Then the other.
Every corner.
Every group.
Every familiar face.
He barely acknowledged the greetings directed his way. Several influential executives approached him. He nodded politely.
Others attempted to start conversations. He answered briefly. His attention wasn't on them. It wasn't on the event. And it certainly wasn't on business.
He was looking for one person.
Juliet.
She had to be here.
She always attended events involving her family.
Especially events this important.
