Jealous Eyes and a Provocative Kiss

The rumble of whispers spread through the hall like wildfire after Faye's accusation. My moment of triumph was rapidly transforming into something else—something messy and complicated.

I watched as Rhys casually sipped his champagne, seemingly unbothered by the scene Faye was causing. His dark eyes remained fixed on me across the room, and I felt that familiar pull in my chest—the mate bond that refused to die despite everything.

"Faye, you're making a scene," Rhys finally said, his voice carrying easily through the now-hushed room. "We lost fair and square. Let's show some grace in defeat."

But the way his lips curled slightly at the edges told a different story. This was calculated. All of it.

"Was it true?" I whispered to Orion beside me. "Did he deliberately sabotage their chances?"

Orion's jaw tightened. "If he did, it wasn't for Storm Crest's benefit."