Chapter 12: Phoenix Reborn
378words
Tonight was my official debut into society—the mysterious new wife of business mogul Jack Thompson. The first step toward infiltrating Michael Davis's world.
"Ready?" Jack appeared in the doorway, devastatingly handsome in his tailored suit.
"I'm terrified," I admitted, vulnerability breaking through my carefully constructed facade.
He crossed the room, taking my hands in his. "You've faced death and survived. This is just a room full of rich people with champagne."
I laughed despite myself. "When you put it that way…"
The gala was a sensory overload of crystal, silk, and power. Heads turned as we entered, whispers following in our wake. When Charles Blackwood—Michael Davis's closest business ally—approached to introduce himself, I felt Jack tense beside me.
"Thompson, you've been keeping secrets," Blackwood said, his gaze lingering appreciatively on me. "Where have you been hiding this enchanting creature?"
"Just lucky, I guess," Jack replied, his arm sliding possessively around my waist.
Later, as Blackwood requested a dance with me, Jack's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
"Of course," I smiled graciously, squeezing Jack's hand in reassurance.
"Your husband seems quite protective," Blackwood observed as we waltzed.
"He treasures what's his," I replied with calculated ambiguity.
When I returned to Jack, his eyes were darker than usual. "Blackwood seemed impressed."
"Jealous?" I teased, emboldened by the night's success.
Instead of denying it, Jack pulled me into a quiet alcove, his expression suddenly serious.
"Before we go any further," he said quietly, "I need you to know something. This started as business for me too, but now…"
My heart hammered against my ribs. "Now?"
"Now I'm not sure I'm acting anymore," he confessed, his voice barely audible.
Before I could respond, a familiar laugh cut through the crowd. I froze, my blood turning to ice.
Michael Davis had just entered the ballroom, Mia Brown clinging to his arm.
"It's time," Jack whispered, his hand finding mine. "Are you ready?"
I straightened my shoulders, steel replacing the vulnerability in my eyes. "I've been ready since the day he pushed me into that ocean."
Together, we stepped out of the shadows and toward our prey.
