Julian’s fingers slide once, just once, along the top edge of my chair. Like a reminder.
Like a question.Are you okay?
I answer without looking at him.
“I’ve been busy,” I say.
Graham’s smile doesn’t falter. “Of course. I imagine married life comes with… adjustments.”
There’s something pointed in his tone.
Like he’s testing me.
Like he’s testing Julian.
My cheeks heat.
Julian’s voice is calm when he speaks. “Lucy has had a family medical situation.”
Graham’s attention sharpens. “Yes, how is your mother?”
“Personal information is not meant for the public, Whitaker,” Julian says.
A boundary, again.
Graham studies him a beat longer, then leans slightly toward me.
“Call me,” he says quietly. “When things settle. I still have that opportunity I would like to discuss, and I have information I think you should have.”
My stomach knots up.
Graham’s smile returns, bright and easy. “Enjoy your night.”
And then he’s gone, and I exhale slowly.
Theo leans in, eyes gleaming. “He’s like a shark in a suit.”
“He’s a philanthropist,” I mutter.
Theo grins. “Yes. A shark philanthropist.”
Julian’s hand leaves my chair, and I hate that I notice the absence of it.
I focus on my plate. On my breath.
On not spiralling.
This is fine.
This is just a gala.
This is just a marriage.
This is just...
A chair scrapes, the sound cuts through my thoughts like a blade.
I look up, and my stomach drops.
