Ofelia’s POV
The gala continued as if nothing had happened on the balcony. Music filled the ballroom. Glasses clinked. Guests laughed softly over expensive champagne and perfectly arranged plates of food. Everyone moved with polished ease, as though they had been born knowing how to smile at donors and compliment strangers without ever saying anything too personal.
Damien returned to networking like the moment outside had never existed. I watched him from across the ballroom. He was effortless. That was the first word that came to mind. Effortless. One minute he was speaking with an elderly donor, listening with calm respect. The next, he was shaking hands with an investor, his smile controlled but convincing. Then he was laughing quietly at something a politician said, looking every inc
