You Had Me, You Lost Me, You'll Never Find Me novel Chapter 100

Ashton glanced at the ring, his movements freezing. For some reason, his mind flashed back to the day Sylvia had asked him to marry her.

If he had said yes back then... how different would things be?

-

With the internet narrative completely flipped in her favor, Sylvia's event invitations skyrocketed.

Beyond industry events, Julian also began taking her to high-society galas. Unlike the celebrity-filled parties Sylvia was used to, these events were populated by political heavyweights and business moguls, requiring a much more formal dress code.

The gala's theme was vintage black and gold. The vaulted ceilings were strung with cascading golden lights that mimicked a starry sky, casting pools of liquid gold across the polished marble floors.

Julian brought her here to help her network. The Sterling family had deep, historic roots in Boston, giving them an extensive web of powerful connections.

Sylvia had attended similar events before, though mostly in the entertainment sphere. Still, she knew how to navigate the room gracefully.

Tonight, she wore a striking black evening gown. The petal-shaped neckline perfectly framed her luminous collarbones, while a diamond-encrusted corset cinched just below the bust, highlighting her stunning curves without putting any pressure on her waist.

Given her recent dominance in the headlines, several guests recognized her and struck up conversations.

"I've seen your latest drama. You were fantastic..."

Julian would occasionally chime in to smoothly steer the conversation, then guide Sylvia to meet the next group. She stayed close to his side, radiant and composed.

Noticing she had been standing for a while, Julian asked softly, "Are you tired? Want to grab a seat?"

Sylvia shook her head. "I'm fine. Not tired at all."

An older gentleman nearby noticed Julian's attentive behavior. His eyes drifted to their matching rings, and he chuckled affectionately. "When are we going to be celebrating your wedding, Julian?"

Julian laced his fingers through Sylvia's, holding her hand tightly. "Very soon. We'll be sure to send you an invitation."

The gentleman offered a few more compliments about what a stunning couple they made, and honestly, standing side by side, they truly looked picture-perfect.

Just then, a prickle of unease washed over Sylvia.

"I've watched Reina grow up. Her character is utterly flawless. I wouldn't accept anyone else into our family."

Sylvia had never actually met Eleanor Wyatt. During their three years together, Ashton had only ever introduced her to Grandfather Wyatt. He likely figured their relationship had an expiration date, so he never bothered integrating her into his family.

It certainly spared her a lot of awkwardness tonight.

Sylvia leaned into Julian and whispered that she was heading to the restroom.

The cool water ran over her hands, making the diamond on her ring catch the light brilliantly. Her racing heart slowly steadied.

It shouldn't have been a surprise. The Sterlings and the Wyatts operated in the exact same stratosphere; running into them was inevitable. All she could do was manage her own reactions.

As she turned the corner to head back, her heel caught on something. Panic flared as she stumbled forward.

A split second later, a large, impossibly warm hand wrapped firmly around her waist, pulling her flush against a solid chest.

"Thank..." Sylvia reflexively began to apologize, but as she looked up, the words died in her throat. She was staring straight into a pair of predatory, dark eyes.