Betrayed by My Billionaire

uld be a memorable evening, but she couldn't help but feel a dull apprehension. Since their last conversation, an almost imperceptible distance had se

ed impeccable in his black tuxedo, his demeanor elegant and c

ile she hoped was nat

eiling, illuminating the space, and a crowd of richly dressed people chatted in small groups, drink

reassuring smile. "Don't

e events were as much a social showcase as a political batt

n hair falling in elegant cascades over her shoulders. She wore a tight red dress, a stark contrast to the sobriety

her voice soft but confid

urning to his usual expression. "Clara," he r

s Clara Jameson. Her heart clenched as she watched the interaction. Clara held out a

Clara asked, glancing at Lila

hort pause. "Lila, this is Clar

ce the appraising glint in her eyes. She felt as if Clara was sizing her up, w

a said, her voice smooth. "Der

her surprise. "Plea

eeting glint in their eyes, but it was enough to send a cold shiver down her spine. A bond, an u

la. "It's great to see you here. Stan

her voice neutral. "Derek told me th

ile playing on her lips. "Oh, they are.

e suppressed it, knowing that this was neither the place nor the time for a confrontation. Cla

finally intervened. "Clara, we have to get to my

She placed a light hand on Derek's arm, a seemingly innocen

rawing admiring glances from several guests. She turne

y her question. "Her? Wh

, unable to clearly articulate what she

Lila, listen. Clara is part of my past. She has

d. "Then why did you see

"Because I knew you'd feel this way. And I don't want Cla

to her unease. She had seen that look, that spark between

her. Every time she looked around the room, she found Clara. And every time, Cl

to be regaining his usual confidence, charming the guests with his natural ease. But even then, Lila

ion, Lila couldn't help but ask one last question

st made her regret speaking. "Because some people are

. And as they got into the car, she wondered how long she could continue to ignore