Chapter 42. The Velvet Threat

“Try not to drink anything tonight,” Knox murmured, his tone too casual to be casual.

Harper didn’t look at him, but her eyes flicked sideways as they entered the ballroom. “What happened to subtlety?”

“Lucien’s here,” he said, adjusting the cuff of his jacket. “And he’s holding champagne.”

Her heels clicked softly across the polished floor as she scanned the crowd. She spotted Lucien near the bar—dark suit, effortless grin, eyes just a little too knowing.

He caught her gaze and raised his glass in greeting. She returned the gesture with a cool smile, the kind she wore when patience was running low but performance demanded polish.

“Director Quinn,” Lucien said as she approached, offering her a fresh flute. “The room is buzzing about your Council address. Precise. Elegant. I expect nothing less.”

She took the glass, fingers brushing the stem. “I aim to give them something worth remembering.”

He laughed lightly, a sound just a shade too smooth