Chapter 9

• Christian made his way through the elegant gathering, his eyes fixed on the corner where Scarlett stood with his father's associates. He felt a mix of curiosity and unease as he approached them, his shoes making a muted sound on the marble floor.
• As he reached the small group, he noticed Scarlett's radiant smile, her laughter filling the air. She seemed completely engrossed in the conversation, her eyes fixed on Matthew's associates. Christian wondered if she was aware of his presence at all.
• Christian cleared his throat politely to announce his arrival, but the associates merely exchanged glances and continued their discussion as if he were invisible. It was as if he had walked into an exclusive club where he didn't belong.