The Blackwood gala felt less like a celebration—
and more like entering another world.
The moment Selina stepped out of the car, cameras flashed endlessly across the grand entrance of the Blackwood estate. Marble fountains glimmered beneath golden lights while luxury cars lined the enormous driveway one after another.
Everything about the estate radiated power.
Old money.
Untouchable influence.
Dangerous elegance.
Selina adjusted the sleeve of her black dress quietly as the Vale family entered together.
Tonight, she wore no bright colors.
No diamonds chosen by Livia.
No soft smiles meant to please others.
Just black.
Simple.
Elegant.
Distant.
And somehow—
that made her stand out more than ever.
The moment they entered the ballroom, whispers spread instantly.
"That's Selina Vale?"
"The one Lucian Blackwood invited personally?"
"I heard he's interested in her."
"But isn't Elara Vale the famous one?"
Selina ignored every word.
Years ago, such whispers would've made her anxious.
Now they only exhausted her.
Beside her, Elara looked flawless in silver, gracefully greeting investors and socialites with practiced ease. Cameras naturally drifted toward her.
Some things never changed.
But tonight—
another gaze followed Selina instead.
She felt it immediately.
Heavy.
Intense.
Impossible to ignore.
Slowly, Selina lifted her eyes across the ballroom.
And found him watching her.
Lucian Blackwood stood near the upper balcony dressed entirely in black, one gloved hand resting against the railing.
Silver eyes fixed only on her.
The crowd around him seemed insignificant in comparison.
Her heartbeat stumbled unexpectedly.
Because the moment he saw her—
something in his expression softened.
Not dramatically.
Just enough to make her chest feel strangely warm.
And somehow...
that terrified her more than his coldness ever could.
"Selina."
Livia's voice pulled her back.
"Go greet Mr. Blackwood properly."
Of course.
Now suddenly the family wanted her close to him.
The irony almost amused her.
Before Selina could respond, another familiar voice interrupted.
"Well... this is unexpected."
Her body stiffened instantly.
Adrian Chase.
He approached smoothly through the crowd wearing a navy suit and his usual charming smile.
The same smile that once made her believe she was loved.
Now it only made her feel cold.
"Adrian," Elara greeted softly beside her.
Selina noticed it immediately—
the subtle warmth in Elara's voice.
The same warmth that eventually destroyed her in the previous life.
Adrian's eyes lingered on Selina carefully.
"You look different."
Because I died.
Selina forced herself to remain calm.
"It's been a while."
Something unreadable crossed Adrian's expression.
In her previous life, Selina would've felt nervous around him.
Hopeful.
Now she only remembered betrayal.
The rooftop.
The lies.
The cruelty hidden beneath affection.
And suddenly—
she realized something terrifying.
This Adrian standing before her...
had not betrayed her yet.
Technically—
none of them had.
Not in this life.
The thought made her stomach twist uneasily.
"Adrian recently started collaborating with Blackwood Group," Damian explained proudly.
Selina's eyes darkened faintly.
Of course.
Everything always connected back to power.
"Actually," Adrian said smoothly, "Mr. Blackwood requested the partnership himself."
That caught everyone's attention instantly.
Even Selina looked surprised.
Lucian requested it?
Why?
Adrian smiled lightly. "Though honestly, he barely speaks during meetings."
Across the ballroom—
silver eyes remained fixed on Selina.
As if proving Adrian's point perfectly.
Then suddenly—
Lucian began walking toward them.
The atmosphere shifted immediately.
Conversations quieted.
People moved aside instinctively.
Power followed him naturally.
Elara subtly straightened beside Selina.
Adrian adjusted his posture slightly.
Even Damian became more formal.
But Lucian ignored everyone.
Completely.
He stopped directly in front of Selina.
Close enough for her to notice the faint scent of cedar and rain surrounding him.
Close enough for her pulse to lose rhythm again.
His silver gaze moved slowly across her black dress.
And for the first time—
real emotion appeared openly in his eyes.
Possessiveness.
"You came," he said quietly.
Not greeting her.
Not thanking her.
Just relief.
As though part of him truly believed she might disappear again.