Chapter 17

Gabriela had never set foot in an event like this before.Surrounded by curious stares, she felt an unfamiliar tightness in her chest.

Wesley offered his arm, a silent invitation. "You don't need to be nervous," he murmured, his voice steady and low.

She slid her hand into the crook of his arm,her fingers clinging a little tighter than necessary.

In that moment, the distant, untouchable Wesley-so often a cold,intimidating presence-suddenly radiated a quiet strength she could lean on.

Standing beside him, she felt an unexpected calm,as if his presence alone could shield her from anything the night might throw her way.

As they stepped into the venue, Gabriela was hit by the scale of the occasion. The air crackled with glamour and ambition.

Tycoons she'd only glimpsed in glossy magazines mingled with A-list celebrities, famous faces from the silver screen gliding past in a blur of couture and diamonds. Everywhere she looked, she caught flashes of star power, dazzling and surreal, leaving her a little breathless as she tried to take it all in.

Wesley led Gabriela from one prominent figure in the business world to the next, pausing just long enough for polite introductions before moving on.

She found herself face-to-face with the CEO of a household appliance giant-his products notorious for being both outrageously pricey and somehow everywhere. He looked younger than she'd expected,though his thinning hair betrayed a few late nights and too many board meetings.

Next was the wife of a powerful man, radiant in a designer gown that shimmered beneath the chandeliers. The necklace at her throat-surely the same one tabloids claimed she'd dropped a fortune on -flashed like a lighthouse every time she laughed,drawing every eye in the room.

Gabriela could barely keep up, swept along as Wesley navigated the crowd with effortless authority.He barely lingered, offering quick, almost perfunctory introductions-his attention reserved,his conversation short.

Only when they reached another businessman did Wesley's posture straighten and his tone grow formal A steel-gray suit sharpened the man's lean frame. He looked to be around sixty, not especially tall, silver hair swept neatly back from a face carved with deep lines, though something gentle softened his gaze.

Gabriela recognized who he was at once. All that time spent studying up on Alphacom Electronics paid off -this was Mason Garner, the CEO himself.

A jolt of surprise ran through her.

Just this morning, she and Aubrey had brainstormed ways to connect with anyone from Alphacom's top executives. Yet now, here she was, with Wesley standing beside her, personally introducing her to Mason.

Mason's eyes crinkled in genuine warmth as he greeted Wesley. There wasn't a hint of the thinly veiled superiority older executives often showed the younger set-only sincere respect in his tone.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Wesley smoothly turned his attention back to Gabriela.

With an easy smile, Mason glanced over. "Aren't you going to introduce the lovely woman on your arm?"

Gabriela tensed,heart fluttering as Wesley replied with practiced calm, "This is Gabriela Haynes-she works for my company. She's joining me tonight as my companion."

He didn't clarify her position, but every executive in the room immediately picked up on the implication.

Wesley had never taken a woman to an event like this before, indicating that there was more between them than simply a professional relationship.

Mason's demeanor softened even further, and he offered Gabriela an effusive stream of compliments -calling her bright, capable, and striking.

Gabriela met his gaze, her voice sincere. "You're t00kind, Mr. Garner. I still have a lot to learn."

Mason,clearly picking up on Wesley's desire to groom Gabriela, struck up a long, friendly conversation with her. By the end, he offered his number and even floated the idea of grabbing dinner together sometime.

To Gabriela, it felt like the chance to secure a billion -dollar partnership with him was winking at her.

In the end, Mason only left after Wesley made a casual promise to have dinner together soon.

Slipping Mason's business card into her purse, Gabriela dutifully trailed after Wesley, shaking hands with one industry titan after another until her cheeks began to ache from nonstop smiling.

All at once, she spotted a familiar face up ahead-Vincent Atkinson, the movie star everyone recognized on sight.

A rush of delight bubbled up inside Gabriela

She'd adored Vincent's films for years-catching a glimpse of her idol here, of all places, felt unreal.

Tonight's banquet had already paid off in spades; luck like this only came around once in a lifetime.

Gabriela held back her thrill. Under any other circumstances, she'd have dashed across the room,grinning, eager for a quick photo and an autograph from Vincent.

A low, teasing voice brushed her ear. "So you think he's good-looking?"

Gabriela's eyes sparkled as she nodded, unable to hide her giddy grin

The voice dipped. "What's so attractive about him?"

Gabriela didn't miss a beat. "Vincent Atkinson is my idol! I never imagined he'd be even more striking in real life. He's tall, magnetic,just...wow."

But the second the words left her lips, an icy draft seemed to sweep over her.

She glanced up, and sure enough, Wesley's expression had darkened,his jaw tight.

She faltered, nerves creeping into her voice.Moss?"

Wesley's eyes narrowed. "So, who's better looking-me or him?"

The answer was obvious-especially when he looked that irritated. Gabriela offered her brightest smile and poured on the flattery. "Are you kidding? No contest at all, Mr. Moss. You're in a league of your own-the most handsome man on the planet!"