Chapter 96

KIEL'S POINT OF VIEW

The after-party shimmered with gold lights and champagne flutes, the air thick with music and the buzz of celebration. I walked down the red carpet with Odette by my side, her hand resting lightly on my arm. She looked stunning—elegant, poised, the kind of woman who didn't need to try to turn heads. And tonight, she was mine.

Inside, the venue pulsed with energy. The director was already on the dance floor, spinning with one of the producers, while the crew laughed over drinks at the bar. Everyone was glowing with the high of a successful premiere.

Then I saw her.

Sloan.

She was with Terence, laughing like the world belonged to them. Her hand brushed his arm, and she leaned in close, whispering something that made him grin. She tilted her head back in a laugh that was just a little too loud, a little too rehearsed. Then her eyes flicked to me.

And she smirked.

So this is how she wants to play it.