#Chapter 47: The Diplomatic Reception

I tugged at the black dress Emma handed me, trying to hide the way my hands shook. It felt like armor and a noose at the same time. She didn’t say anything about how I looked. Just handed it over and told me to be ready. When I pinned my hair back, I could see my face in the cracked mirror. Pale. Tight. Like I was going to execution, not a party. Richard walked into the room abruptly and froze. His eyes moved over me slowly, openly taking in the dress. For a moment, he didn't even try to hide it. He drew in a slow breath, voice coming out low and steady. "Amelia." His gaze lifted to meet mine, controlled but heated. "You look...beautiful. It suits you. Exactly what tonight needs." He paused, eyes narrowing slightly like he was choosing his words carefully. "They're going to be watching you. Watching us. Be ready." He gestured toward the hall. "We shouldn’t be late." He turned halfway to leave, fingers tapping against the doorframe. But he hesitated, glancing back. I turned