Lorenzo’s body went rigid. The drink in his hand nearly slipped from his grip.

His jaw clenched so hard a muscle jumped in his cheek. “What the hell is she doing here?” he bit out, eyes tracking her every step like a predator.

Seeing Darren so close to her only added fuel to the fire in his chest. His glare zeroed in on the man beside her.

“She never goes anywhere without dragging that bastard along?” he snapped, voice dripping venom.

Michael’s brow lifted, surprise flashing in his eyes as he followed Lorenzo’s stare. “What a coincidence. Didn’t know she had ties to medicine.”

Lorenzo frowned, expression tightening. “She never went to medical school.”

“Maybe she heard you’d be here and showed up just to mess with you,” Michael said casually. “Wouldn’t be the first time.”

Lorenzo chuckled, shifting his weight from one foot to the other, drink in hand, wearing a smug grin. “You really think so?”

Michael gave a dry chuckle. "No use guessing. She’s right there. If you want answers, go ask her yourself."

Lorenzo put his glass down, already straightening his suit.

***

Krystal glanced around the crowded room. “The party’s already started. Why isn’t Kara here yet?”

Darren rubbed the back of his neck, scanning the crowd. “No idea. Let’s split up and look for her.”

Meanwhile, Lorenzo arrived at the spot where he’d seen Krystal a few minutes ago—but she and Darren were gone. He frowned.

He’d watched them walk in different directions earlier, but now there was no sign of either of them.

“Where’d she go?” His eyes narrowed. “And why did that guy take a different route?”

Xander nudged him from the side, grinning. “Maybe this is Mrs. giving you a chance to have a moment alone with her. After all, she came here for you.”

Lorenzo smirked, straightening his cuffs. “If that’s the case, I’ll not disappoint her. I’ll give her what she’s asking for.”

Xander gave him a thumbs-up. Lorenzo headed into the hall. After a few minutes of scanning the hall, his gaze finally landed on a woman in a red dress.

Krystal stood by the drinks counter, her back turned. Alone.

Lorenzo appeared behind her without a sound and gently tapped her shoulder.

She jumped, surprised and turned. “Kara, you’re so—” Her voice stopped dead when she saw who it really was.

Lorenzo raised a brow and casually reached for a drink.

Krystal groaned under her breath, visibly irritated. ‘He really is like a ghost—showing up everywhere I am.’

However, she put on a smile and questioned, “What are you doing here?”

He took a slow sip, meeting her eyes. “Didn’t you come here to see me?”

Krystal let out an incredulous laugh, looking up at the ceiling like she was asking for patience. “Do you really think the entire world revolves around you? That’s… unbelievably narcissistic.”

She turned to leave, but Lorenzo grabbed her arm.

“How long do you plan on being angry with me?”

She yanked her arm back, muttering, “Why would I be angry? I’m not your lover.” Then her expression softened, just a little. “Or are you ready to give up Esther to stay with me?”