Chapter 25 : Celia ' The first move'

The applause lingered long after we stepped off the stage.

People approached us one after another, congratulating Adrian on the exhibition and complimenting the evening's success.

For the first time, 

No one looked at me with pity.

No one whispered behind my back

Instead, they smiled.

"It was lovely meeting you, Mrs. Lancaster."

"You have an incredible eye for antiques."

"I hope we'll see you at future events."

I thanked each of them, still feeling as though I were walking through someone else's dream.

A few months ago

Most of these same people wouldn't have acknowledged my existence.

Now they were eager to speak with me.

It was strange how quickly public opinion could change.

"Overwhelmed?"

Adrian appeared beside me again, offering a glass of sparkling water.

I accepted it with a grateful smile.

"A little."

"You handled yourself well."

"I was terrified."

"You hid it."

"I've had years of practice."

His expression softened.

"You shouldn't have needed that practice."

For a moment, neither of us spoke.

The silence between us wasn't awkward, 

It was... comfortable.

A feeling I wasn't quite ready to examine.

Just then, Adrian's phone vibrated.

He glanced at the screen.

His relaxed expression disappeared.

"I need to take this."

I nodded.

"I'll be fine."

He hesitated, as though reluctant to leave.

"I won't be long."

As he walked away, I wandered toward one of the open balconies overlooking the gardens.

The cool evening breeze brushed against my face, offering a welcome escape from the crowded ballroom.

"You seem happy."

The voice behind me made me freeze, 

I turned slowly.

Sienna stood a few steps away, her smile as flawless as ever. 

"I didn't realize you were out here," I said politely.

"I wanted a little fresh air."

She joined me on the balcony, resting her hands lightly on the railing.

"It must feel nice."

"What must?"

"Having Adrian's attention."

Her words were light, almost casual.

But something about them made me uneasy.

"He has always been kind."

She laughed quietly.

"Kind?"

She looked toward the ballroom.

"I've known Adrian for years."

"He's many things."

"But kind isn't usually the word people choose."

I remained silent.

Sienna turned to face me.

"Tell me, Celia...Do you really believe people change that easily?"

The question lingered between us.

"I think people can surprise you."

"They can."

Her smile widened.

"They can also disappoint you."

Before I could respond, someone called her name from inside the ballroom.

She took a step back.

"I should go."

Then she paused.

"Oh... one more thing."

Her eyes met mine.

"If I were you...I wouldn't get too comfortable."

She walked away before I could ask what she meant.

A chill ran down my spine.

Something wasn't right

I couldn't explain it.

But every instinct I had was telling me to be careful.

At the opposite end of the ballroom, Adrian ended his call.

"What happened?"

His assistant lowered his voice.

"We intercepted something unusual."

Adrian frowned.

"What is it?"

"A text message."

His assistant handed him another phone.

"It came from Miss Sienna's number."

Adrian's gaze narrowed.

The screen displayed only four words.

It's time to begin.

His jaw tightened.

"Can we trace the recipient?"

"We're trying."

"But whoever received it discarded the device almost immediately."

Adrian looked across the ballroom, 

His eyes found Sienna effortlessly.

She was laughing with a group of guests as though nothing had happened.

Calm, 

Elegant, 

Composed.

Yet something about her smile felt rehearsed.

For the first time in years...

A question entered his mind.

How much did he really know about the woman he had trusted for so long?

Unaware of the eyes watching her, Sienna slipped into the ladies' lounge.

She locked the door behind her before taking out a second phone.

One that no one knew she owned.

The screen lit up almost instantly.

Everything is ready.

Her lips curled into a satisfied smile.

"Good."

"It has to look like an accident."

She ended the call and slipped the phone back into her evening bag.

By the time she returned to the ballroom, 

She was smiling once more.

As if she had never left.

And as if she hadn't just set something dangerous into motion.