CHAPTER 22

The charity event, hosted at the Rosebridge Estate for children’s arts education, oozed with wealth. Sculptures dotted the halls, classical music floated from the quartet on stage, and society’s most influential figures gathered like polished trophies. The ballroom was a golden maze of chandeliers, soft laughter, and polite deception. Pearl’s heels clicked on the marble floor as she entered on Ethan’s arm, her champagne-colored gown clinging delicately to her figure. Beside her, Ethan wore his tuxedo like a second skin…sharp, effortless, and every bit above what he let portray. He kept his arm loosely around Pearl’s waist, guiding her through introductions with an ease she was still getting used to. Pearl’s eyes moved constantly, soaking in every brush of silk, every hushed compliment, every too-perfect smile. She leaned into Ethan, whispering, “Do these people actually care about the charity, or just about being seen here?” He smirked, his voice low. “In this world, optics is the