Lina stood in front of the large mirror in her room, staring at her reflection with nervous eyes.
Tonight was the night.
Damien had asked her to attend a business party with him, and the thought alone made her stomach twist with anxiety.
She had never been to a billionaire's party before.
She didn't even own clothes suitable for such an event.
Just as she was wondering what she would wear, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Lina said softly.
A woman wearing a black uniform stepped inside, carrying several large boxes.
"Mr. Blackwood asked me to deliver these to you," she said politely.
Lina looked confused.
"For me?"
The woman nodded and placed the boxes on the bed before leaving the room.
Curious, Lina slowly opened the first box.
Inside was a breathtaking evening gown.
It was a deep red dress made of smooth silk, with delicate designs along the neckline. It looked incredibly expensive—far more than anything Lina had ever worn in her life.
Her eyes widened in shock.
"He bought this for me?"
Inside the second box were high-heeled shoes, a small diamond necklace, and matching earrings.
Lina touched the necklace carefully.
Everything felt unreal.
A few minutes later, another knock came.
This time, Damien entered the room.
He paused for a moment when he saw her holding the necklace.
"Do you like them?" he asked.
Lina quickly nodded.
"They're beautiful… but they must be very expensive."
"That doesn't matter."
He walked closer, his dark eyes observing her carefully.
"You'll wear them tonight."
Lina felt her heart beat faster under his intense gaze.
She picked up the dress again.
"I've never worn something like this before."
"There's a first time for everything."
Damien's voice was calm but confident.
Then he added quietly,
"You'll look perfect."
Lina felt heat rise to her cheeks.
"Thank you."
An hour later, Lina stepped out of her room wearing the red dress.
The silk fabric hugged her figure perfectly, making her look elegant and graceful.
When she entered the living room, Damien turned around—and for the first time, he looked genuinely surprised.
His eyes moved slowly over her.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he spoke quietly.
"You look… stunning."
Lina's cheeks turned pink again.
"Thank you."
Damien walked toward her and gently adjusted the necklace around her neck.
His fingers brushed against her skin briefly, sending a strange shiver through her body.
"Ready?" he asked.
She nodded nervously.
"I think so."
The party was held at one of the most luxurious hotels in the city.
When their car stopped in front of the building, Lina felt her confidence slowly disappear.
The entrance was filled with expensive cars, photographers, and elegantly dressed guests.
"Don't worry," Damien said as he stepped out of the car.
He extended his hand toward her.
"Stay with me."
Lina placed her hand in his.
Together, they walked inside.
The ballroom was enormous, filled with chandeliers, music, and hundreds of powerful people.
Almost immediately, people began whispering.
"That's Damien Blackwood."
"Who is the woman with him?"
"I've never seen her before."
Lina felt nervous under all the attention.
But Damien didn't seem to care.
He placed his hand lightly on her waist as they walked further into the room.
Suddenly, a tall blonde woman approached them.
Her sharp eyes immediately focused on Lina.
"Damien," she said with a forced smile.
"I didn't know you were bringing company tonight."
Damien's expression remained calm.
"This is Lina."
The woman crossed her arms.
"I see."
Her gaze turned cold as she looked Lina up and down.
"And where exactly did you find her?"
The question was clearly meant as an insult.
Lina felt embarrassed, unsure what to say.
But before she could speak, Damien's voice turned slightly colder.
"That's none of your concern."
The woman's smile disappeared.
"You've changed, Damien."
"No," he replied calmly.
"I simply have better things to do than entertain unnecessary questions."
The woman walked away angrily.
Lina looked at him nervously.
"Did I cause trouble?"
Damien shook his head.
"No."
Then he looked down at her again.
"If anything… you made the night more interesting."
Lina didn't realize it yet, but many eyes in the room were now watching her.
And some of those eyes carried jealousy.
Others carried curiosity.
But one pair of eyes in particular watched her with dangerous interest.
From the other side of the room, a man slowly sipped his drink while staring at Lina.
His lips curved into a dark smile.
"Well… this is unexpected," he murmured.
Because Damien Blackwood had just introduced a woman into his world.
And that woman was about to become the center of a very dangerous game.