Chapter 15 : A Dangerous Surprise

Celeste stood frozen in front of the mirror, her fingers clenched at her sides.

Alistair's words still echoed in her mind.

"Get ready quickly. I have a surprise for you today."

A surprise.

Celeste knew that whenever he used that word, it was never something pleasant.

The bedroom door opened, and a maid entered, carrying a deep burgundy gown in her hands.

"Mr. Alistair has requested that you wear this, Miss Celeste."

Celeste stared at the gown with reluctance. The soft silk looked undeniably expensive, but it felt more like another shackle Alistair was forcing upon her.

"I don't want to wear it."

The maid hesitated. "I'm sorry, Miss… but Mr. Alistair will not accept refusal."

Celeste took a deep breath. She had no other choice, did she? Just as Alistair always wanted.

With heavy reluctance, she took the dress and put it on. The fabric molded to her body perfectly, making her look more elegant than usual.

But this wasn't her.

She was being prepared for something.

And she hated the fact that she didn't know what it was.

---

When Celeste descended the stairs, Alistair was already waiting for her by the grand entrance.

Dressed in a flawlessly tailored black suit, he greeted her with a faint smile that instantly put her on edge.

His eyes swept over her from head to toe before he stepped closer, lifting her chin with one hand.

"You look stunning."

Celeste tried to brush his hand away, but he held on a second longer before finally letting go.

"Let's go." He pushed the door open, revealing a luxury car waiting outside.

Celeste bit her lip. "Where are we going?"

Alistair merely smiled. "You'll find out when we get there."

The uncertainty made her even more uneasy. But with no way to refuse, she finally stepped into the car, sitting silently beside the man who dictated her every move.

Throughout the drive, Alistair didn't speak much. His arm rested casually on the seat, but his dominant presence filled every corner of the space.

After a while, the car pulled up in front of an exclusive venue. A towering building with dazzling crystal lights illuminating the entrance.

Celeste looked out in confusion. "What is this?"

Alistair stepped out first, then opened her door, extending his hand.

"Tonight, I will introduce you to the world."

The world?

Celeste swallowed hard.

Her heart began to race.

What was Alistair planning this time?

Celeste stared at the hand Alistair offered her. His strong, steady fingers felt like an extension of the invisible chains that had bound her all this time.

She wanted to refuse. She wanted to turn around and run as far away as possible.

But, once again, that choice was never hers to make.

Reluctantly, Celeste placed her hand on his palm. Alistair gripped it firmly before guiding her out of the car.

The moment they stepped inside the building, Celeste immediately realized that this was no ordinary place. The towering crystal chandeliers, the soft clinking of wine glasses, and the elegantly dressed guests turning their heads toward them with curious gazes—this was an exclusive event.

And she was the center of attention.

A wave of unease washed over her. What exactly was Alistair planning?

Their steps halted in the middle of the grand hall. The murmurs of the guests filled the air, their eyes scanning Celeste as if they were assessing and judging her all at once.

Then, the sound of applause echoed.

Celeste turned her head and saw an older man in an expensive suit approaching them. His silver hair did nothing to diminish the commanding aura he exuded.

"Alistair," the man greeted in a deep voice. "So, you've finally introduced her to us."

Alistair gave a faint smile. "Celeste, this is Mr. Donovan. One of my biggest investors."

Celeste could only nod slightly. She had no idea what to say.

Mr. Donovan looked her over from head to toe before nodding in approval. "A beautiful girl. And… intriguing."

A sense of discomfort crept up Celeste's spine.

Then, Donovan turned back to Alistair. "So, does this mean you've made your choice?"

Celeste frowned. Choice?

She turned to Alistair, searching for an answer.

But Alistair simply smiled before tightening his grip around her waist, pulling her closer to his body.

"Yes. Celeste is mine."

The room was instantly filled with murmurs of surprise and applause.

But Celeste couldn't breathe.

What had just happened?