business party

Damian paced impatiently outside Serena's room, checking his watch for the hundredth time. "If you're not out in the next minute, I'm leaving without you," he called, his voice edged with irritation.

The door finally clicked open, and Damian's breath hitched.

Serena stepped out, draped in a black bodycon dress that hugged her curves perfectly, the thigh-high slit revealing just enough to tease. She walked with effortless grace, her siren aura making her presence impossible to ignore. Damian clenched his jaw, willing himself to look unaffected.

"Took you long enough," he muttered, eyes betraying him as they roamed over her.

Serena smirked, stepping closer. "Perfection takes time, *husband.*"

She turned her back to him, lifting her hair to reveal the delicate clasp of her necklace. "Help me with this?" she asked, her voice carrying an innocent lilt.

Damian hesitated before stepping forward. As his fingers brushed against her bare skin, he swallowed hard. The dress was backless, leaving her smooth skin completely exposed to him. He could feel the warmth radiating from her, a stark contrast to his own cool touch.

Serena, ever the tease, let out a soft hum. "You're taking your time, Damian. Distracted?"

His fingers faltered for a split second before he secured the clasp. "Don't flatter yourself."

Serena chuckled, turning to face him, eyes twinkling with mischief. "Oh, but I don't need to. You do that for me."

---

As they arrived at the party, a hush fell over the grand hall. All eyes turned to them—men gazing at Serena with barely concealed lust, women eyeing her with jealousy. Every movement of hers exuded power and allure, making it impossible to look away.

The host, Larry Arnault Damian's business partner, an older yet powerful man, welcomed them warmly. "Ah, Damian! And this must be your stunning wife."

He took Serena's hand, pressing a polite kiss to her knuckles. "An absolute vision," he complimented, eyes filled with admiration.

Damian, playing the perfect husband, slid a firm hand around Serena's waist, pulling her closer in a silent declaration. His touch sent a message—she was his, and no one else's.

The host then introduced his much younger wife, whose gaze lingered far too long on Damian, filled with barely disguised desire. At the same time, she shot Serena a look of disdain.

Serena, catching on immediately, leaned into Damian, placing a hand on his chest. "Darling," she purred, fingers tracing his lapel, "isn't this party just lovely?" Her voice dripped with amusement as she basked in the woman's irritation.

Damian exhaled sharply, choosing to ignore her antics.

As the night progressed, the room filled with the hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the occasional burst of laughter. The atmosphere was lively—until an unexpected interruption.

Out of nowhere, a woman rushed up to Damian, throwing her arms around him and pressing a kiss to his cheek.

The room went silent. Damian stiffened instantly, his eyes darkening as he turned to the audacious intruder.

Serena's smirk widened. "Well, well, well… this just got interesting."