Page 50 of Her Ruin

CHAPTER14

ISLA

The gala was a roaring success.The guests were glowing with alcohol and excited conversation. The charity had already raised more than projected, the auction was off to a strong start, and I had navigated the endless demands of Gracemont’s elite without breaking a sweat.

Lyndsay was beaming, and as I saw her laugh freely at something someone said to her, a slow breath left my lungs, the kind of exhale that only comes after weeks of tension.

I had done it, and I was ready to soak in this victory.

I stepped towards the bar, accepting a flute of champagne from a passing waiter and letting my fingers slide over the chilled glass. From my vantage point, I could see everything—the conversations, the happy smiles, theeffortless flow of the night.

This was mine. My event and I was so happy I’d pulled it off despiteeverything. This was my third year doing this for this client, and I knew Lyndsay wouldn’t hesitate to come to me when it came to next year’s events.

The microphone clicked on, and I turned to see what else was being auctioned. It seemed too soon for the short interval to be over.

When I looked at the stage, everything changed.

Zayn stood front and center, cool and collected and so devastatingly handsome. I froze, fingers tightening around my glass as his voice filled the room.

“Good evening, everyone.” His voice was smooth and calculated, the kind of voice that demanded attention without effort.

All around me, the crowd shifted, heads turning towards the main stage. My stage. And there he was. Standing on it like he belonged there, like this washisevent,hissuccess,hismoment to claim.

My pulse roared in my ears.

“What the hell are you doing?” I mumbled as I set my glass down and took a slow step forwards, forcing myself to remain calm.

Zayn half smiled at the crowd. His black suit was tailored perfectly, and his presence was commanding as he surveyed the room like a king addressing his court.

“I want to thank you all for joining us tonight at Elixir,” he said, his voice carrying through the speakers. “It was a great honor to host this event today.” He looked to Lyndsay, who gave him a tight smile. Zayn smiled widely, and I swear a woman to my left sighed. “This event is a testament to what we can accomplish when we come together for something bigger than ourselves.”

And the crowdate it up. Smiling, clapping, completely oblivious this wasn’t his win to take.

My stomach turned. Oh God. He wasn’t just thanking them; he wasclaimingit.

I stepped forwards, my blood thundering in my ears, but before I could take another step, Rye appeared at my side, gripping my arm tightly.

“Don’t make a scene,” he murmured under his breath.

I twisted towards him, furious. “He’s taking the credit for my event.”

Rye’s grip tightened, but his voice was perfectly neutral. “He’s reminding them where they are.”

I ripped my arm away. “He’s taking everything! I did this, and he’s acting like?—”

And then Zayn kept talking.

“Of course, an event like this doesn’t come together without the right resources. The right space. The right access,” he said smoothly, his gaze sweeping the crowd before landing…right on me.

Something cold and sharp slid down my spine.

“I’m honored that Elixir could provide the perfect venue,” he said while holding my gaze. “The perfect service. The perfect execution.” He smirked. “After all, without that, even the best plans fall apart.”

The words were subtle, but the meaning hit me like a punch to the gut.

He wasn’t justtaking the credit; he waserasingme.

I didn’t say anything when Rye took hold of my arm gently, but it was still a hold.

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