Chapter 181

• The grand hall of the charity gala gleamed under the chandeliers, the soft clink of glasses and murmur of conversation filling the air.
• Jace moved gracefully through the crowd, his tailored suit and poised demeanor making him a focal point among the elite. Avalynn, elegant in a deep blue gown, stayed close by his side, her eyes alert beneath the veil of her calm smile.
• Jace’s gaze, though seemingly engaged in polite conversation, never wavered from scanning the room. His shoulders were stiff, a slight furrow in his brow betraying the tension beneath his composed exterior.