Chapter Forty-Four

The event venue was opulent, clearly filled with the affluent and influential. Applause erupted as the institution's president delivered his speech, expressing gratitude to all the attendees.

My eyes wandered curiously. It was as if I was searching for something, and then I saw them. I wish I hadn't. He was looking at me while Kate spoke to him, but his attention was elsewhere. A smirk formed on his lips as he caught me watching them. Damn it, Diane! I scolded myself for not controlling my gaze. Who knows what that man might think? Rye's gentle whisper brought me back to the present.

"Are you okay?" he murmured.

"Yes, why?" I asked, feigning innocence.

"Just wondering," he replied with a shrug.