Page 51

Roman doesn’t so much as blink. “Choose your words more carefully next time.”

The color drains from her face. “It won’t happen again.”

With a stiff nod, she hurries away, disappearing into the crowd without another glance.

Even though he shut her down without hesitation, the damage is already done. The name settles uncomfortably in my mind.

I look up at him. “Who is Katerina?”

Roman’s jaw tightens slightly. “Don’t listen to that woman. She’s a drunk.”

But the way he says it doesn’t fully erase the question now living in my head.

"Roman."

The soft voice comes from somewhere behind us.

Roman turns first. I follow his gaze to see the woman from earlier today. The one I'd walked in on in his office.

She's wearing a fitted yellow gown that hugs her slender figure, her blonde hair falling in soft waves over one shoulder. A confident smile spreads across her lips as she approaches us, as though she belongs at Roman's side.

"Roman," she says warmly before turning to me. "Mrs. Sokolov."

Her smile widens. "I don't believe we were properly introduced earlier today."

She extends her hand. "I'm Katerina."

I slip my hand into hers. "Aurora."

Katerina.

So this is the Katerina that elderly woman had been talking about. The woman who supposedly would have made such a powerful couple with Roman.

I study her more carefully now. She's beautiful, elegant, confident, and although she's smiling at me, her eyes aren't.

The look in her eyes makes me feel as though she’d happily tear me to pieces if no one were watching. Before I can think about it any further, Katerina turns back to Roman.

"I actually need a quick word with you about the Petrova project."

Roman barely glances at her. "We're at a gala. It can wait until tomorrow."

"It really can't." She smiles apologetically. "It'll only take a minute. I need your approval before I contact the team tonight. We can't afford another delay."

Roman looks unconvinced. After a brief pause, he sighs. "One minute."

Then he turns to me. "Stay here. I'll be right back."

He gives one of his men a subtle nod. The guard immediately shifts a little closer to where I'm standing.

I watch Roman walk away beside Katerina. They don't go far. Close enough that I can still see them.

Katerina pulls out her phone, angling the screen toward him. Roman lowers his head slightly to look. She moves closer, too close. Her shoulder brushes his arm, then she leans in again, laughing softly at something he said.

My fingers tighten around the stem of my champagne flute. Is she doing that on purpose?

She glances up. Our eyes meet across the room. For the briefest moment, satisfaction flashes through hers.

I clench my jaw. It's obvious her possessiveness over Roman is practically overflowing. Maybe I should march over there, grab his hand, and pull him away from her.