Page 44 of The Contract

“Elena,” she says, extending a hand with easy confidence. “I was looking forward to meeting you. Your photography portfolio is absolutely stunning.”

James blinks, momentarily thrown before his expression shifts into something surprised—genuinely pleased.

“You’ve seen my work?”

Elena nods. “Of course. The exhibit you did in Paris?Breathtaking.”

Marcus steps closer to me, watching the two of them fall into effortless conversation.

“Oh, she’s good,” Marcus exhales a quiet laugh, shaking his head.

“Only the best,” I answer thoughtlessly.

He lifts a brow. “Careful, Wolfe. Sounds like you almost believe it.”

I don’t answer.

Because Mr. and Mrs. Calloway enter the room, and everything shifts.

Elena slips her hand into the crook of my elbow, her posture straightening, her expression poised and polished.

She’sready.

She takes Mrs. Calloway’s hand and smiles.

“It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you.”

The older woman studies her for a second longer, then glances at her ring.

“What a stunning ring.”

Elena glances at me, eyes softening with a look so devoted, so seamless, itshouldbe illegal.

“It is,” she agrees smoothly. “Damien spoils me.”

I don’t correct her.

Because right now, in this moment, itdoesn’tfeel like a lie.

And that should fucking terrify me.

Mrs. Calloway studies Elena for a beat longer, her sharp gaze flicking between us as if weighing every detail.

Then, finally, she smiles.

Warm. Approving.

A critical win.

Dinner flows seamlessly, and Elena is flawless. Her conversation is effortless, her responses precise. She engages in just the right places—knowing when to be inquisitive, when to flatter, when to let a moment sit in silence.

She never overplays it. Never forces it. And it’sworking.

Mr. Calloway watches her with appreciation, his demeanor warming.

His wife? She’senthralled.

It should impress me. Itdoesimpress me.

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