Chapter 10 Gala Night

Ethan adjusted the cuffs of his black tailored suit, his sharp reflection staring back at him in

the mirror of his penthouse. The sleek fabric fit him like a second skin, the silver cufflinks

glinting under the soft lighting. His hair was slightly tousled—intentionally so—and the sharp

lines of his jaw were accentuated by the crisp collar of his dress shirt. He looked exactly like

what he was supposed to be: the heir to one of the most powerful conglomerates in the

country. And he hated it.

Tonight was the annual Lockwood Charity Gala, a high-society gathering that brought

together business moguls, politicians, and the elite to "give back" while indulging in luxury.

His father, Richard Fort Lockwood, was out of the country on business, leaving Ethan with no choice

but to step in as the family's representative.

A soft chime echoed through the room.

His stepmother's voice followed immediately after. "Ethan, dear, the car is ready. Don't

make me come upstairs and drag you out."

Ethan rolled his eyes, straightened his tie, and grabbed his phone before heading downstairs.

The gala was being held at the Lockwood Grand Hotel, a five-star venue owned by the family.

As their Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up to the entrance, flashing cameras erupted outside,

capturing the arrival of the elites. Ethan stepped out smoothly, used to the attention, his

expression unreadable.

Then, he spotted Evelyn.

She was stepping out of a sleek black car, her blonde locks cascading over her shoulders,

her dress a deep sapphire blue that shimmered under the lights. She looked effortlessly

elegant, yet distinctly different from the usual crowd—more refined, less pretentious.

Ethan had no idea she was coming.

Evelyn met his gaze and smirked. "Surprised?"

He scoffed. "A little. Thought you hated these kinds of events."

"I do. But my scholarship program received an invitation. Figured I'd come and see how the

other half lives," she quipped.

His stepmother appeared beside him, her presence commanding. Dressed in an emerald

gown that hugged her slender figure, she radiated power and grace. Her lips curled into an

unreadable smile as she looked Evelyn over.

"Ah, Miss Fairchild," she purred, her tone honeyed yet sharp. "I must say, you clean up quite

nicely. It's refreshing to see someone in this city with… genuine effort behind their

appearance."

Evelyn's eyes flashed with understanding—this was a test.

"Thank you," she replied, unfazed. "Though, I must admit, I didn't have a team of

professionals at my disposal. Just a little effort and taste."

Ethan bit back a smirk. His stepmother arched a perfectly sculpted brow, clearly amused

but not deterred.

"Charming," she murmured. "Well then, shall we?"

Inside, the ballroom was a spectacle of wealth—glittering chandeliers, gold-trimmed walls, crowd, carrying trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres.

Ethan guided Evelyn toward the honor table, reserved for the most influential guests. As they

took their seats, a familiar voice rang out.

"Well, well, if it isn't Ethan Lockwood."

Ethan exhaled sharply, already knowing who it was before he turned.

Stephany Lancaster.

She stood before him, a vision of old money elegance in a crimson gown. Her deep auburn

hair cascaded in loose waves, and her lips curved in a knowing smile.

"It's been a while," she said smoothly. Her sharp green eyes flickered toward Evelyn,

scanning her with thinly veiled curiosity. Then, she frowned.

"Your hair…" she trailed off, tilting her head. "It's glowing. So is his."

Ethan and Evelyn stiffened.

The glow of the Attraction and Repulsion Stones subtly infused their hair under certain

lighting—something they hadn't noticed until now.

Stephany's eyes narrowed slightly. "Are you two…?"

"No," they both said at the same time.

Stephany raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but let it go. Instead, she stepped closer

to Ethan, her perfume lingering between them.

"You've been avoiding me," she murmured.

"That should tell you something," Ethan replied, voice flat.

She smirked, unfazed. "I was hoping we could talk. You know, catch up."

"I'd rather not."

Her smile faltered, but she masked it quickly. "Ethan, we have history—"

"And that's all it is. History."

Evelyn watched silently, observing the exchange. Stephany was beautiful, confident, and

clearly still attached to Ethan.

Stephany's father, Charles Lancaster, took the stage at that moment. As a powerful

business mogul and a close associate of Fort Lockwood, his voice commanded the room.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we gather tonight not just for charity, but to discuss an urgent matter.

The disappearance of the two legendary stones, believed to hold unimaginable power, has

sparked international concern. With the help of UK authorities, we intend to recover them—

at any cost."

Ethan and Evelyn exchanged a sharp glance.

Telepathically, Evelyn spoke first.

"Well, that's unfortunate."

"No kidding," Ethan replied.

"Do you think they have any leads?"

"Doubt it. If they did, we wouldn't be sitting here."

Evelyn glanced around the room. The discussion had shifted into murmurs of speculation

and intrigue.

"We need to be careful," she warned.

Ethan leaned back, swirling the champagne in his glass, his expression unreadable.

"Let them look," he said. "They'll never find what's right in front of them."

Evelyn wasn't sure if she should be amused or concerned.