Public Performance

[Carter Foundation Charity Gala – Evening]

The Carter Foundation’s annual charity gala was the kind of event where million-dollar smiles hid billion-dollar secrets. The ballroom glittered—chandeliers throwing gold light across velvet curtains and marble floors. A string quartet played something elegant, and waiters floated by with trays of champagne.

Selena Carter made her entrance on Leonard Knight’s arm like she’d done it a thousand times. And maybe she had—just not with him.

She wore a custom silver gown that hugged her curves and shimmered under the lights. Her long black hair was swept to one side, revealing a sapphire earring that matched her eyes.

Beside her, Leonard was every inch the composed CEO. Black suit, sharp jawline, emotionless gaze. But even he paused when he looked at her.

“You clean up well,” he said, voice low.

“I always do,” she replied. “Try to keep up.”

The press spotted them instantly. Flashbulbs exploded. Reporters circled like sharks.

“Mr. Knight, Mrs. Knight! Over here!”

They turned in sync, perfectly posed. Selena’s hand curled lightly around his arm, and Leonard angled his body toward her as if they belonged to each other.

“How’s married life treating you two?” a reporter asked.

Leonard didn’t miss a beat. “Efficiently.”

Selena smiled sweetly. “He means wonderfully.”

The cameras clicked. The illusion worked.

Until she appeared.

Cassandra Vale glided into the ballroom like she owned the air people breathed. Dressed in a deep red gown with a slit up to her thigh, she looked stunning—and dangerous.

Selena saw the way heads turned. Cassandra was used to attention. She fed on it.

And she was heading straight toward them.

“Well, if it isn’t Velmont’s newest power couple,” Cassandra said, voice as smooth as silk over steel.

Selena’s smile didn’t falter. “We met yesterday, didn’t we? You left in a hurry.”

Cassandra tilted her head. “Oh, I like you already. Quick on your feet. Tell me, does Leonard still go silent when he’s angry?”

Leonard stepped forward, his jaw tight. “Now’s not the time, Cassandra.”

“Why not? It’s the perfect time. Everyone’s watching.” She leaned closer to Selena. “You must be exhausted pretending this is real.”

Selena didn’t blink. “What I pretend at least looks convincing.”

Cassandra’s eyes flashed. “Careful. Leonard doesn’t like mouthy women.”

Selena’s smile widened. “Then it’s a good thing I’m not here to be liked.”

Tension crackled between them.

Before Cassandra could respond, a Carter family board member called out to Selena, waving her over for introductions. She gave Cassandra one last look.

“Nice chatting. Let me know where you bought your lipstick. I’d love to return it.”

She turned and walked away with Leonard, leaving Cassandra standing amid whispers.

Leonard leaned in. “Remind me not to get on your bad side.”

“Smart man,” she murmured.

They moved through the room like a perfect couple, playing their parts to perfection. But both felt the shift—something had changed.

Cassandra wasn’t just a threat. She was a storm waiting to break.

And Selena had no intention of letting her win.

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