Chapter 98
Chapter 98
Winter adjusted the shawl draped over her shoulders. The moment she heard Steve’s voice, she knew exactly who had arrived.
Her first instinct was to walk away without a backward glance, but she reminded herself why she was
here.
She had come here to corner Chris. She couldn’t leave now.
With a reluctant sigh, she slowly turned around.
The wind caught her loose hair and lifted the ends into soft waves. Under the lights, the strands picked up a faint blue sheen. Her features, accentuated by the makeup artist’s deft touch, possessed a rare, seductive allure that was far from her usual understated look.
It was a beauty so breathtaking even the breeze seemed to favor her. A stray lock of hair swept past the corner of her shimmering eyes, subtle and effortless, and somehow it still pulled attention.
Winter had the kind of figure that even loose, casual clothes couldn’t hide. As she turned, the fitted gown traced the curve of her waist and hips in a way that made the proportions look unreal. The shawl draped over her shoulders only made the hints of skin and shape more tempting.
With that single turn of her head, the attention of the most powerful people there quietly shifted to her, their gazes heavy with intrigue.
Three years ago, Winter and Chris had only made it official on paper. They never held a wedding. Even though she was Mrs. Xander, not many people in their circle knew she had married him at first.
That changed after Jacob’s birthday party, when Winter showed up alone and made a name for herself in
one night.
After that, whispers started making the rounds.
Dominic, standing beside Chris, let out a low whistle and said in awe, “Winnie, who gave you permission to show up looking this gorgeous p>
Without meaning to, his eyes flicked toward Skyla, who was being pushed over in her wheelchair by a
caregiver.
Earlier, Skyla had stepped out of the car in a white off the shoulder gown. She looked elegant and refined, the kind of beauty that stood apart from the other women.
But the moment Winter appeared, that white suddenly looked plain.
“Thanks for the compliment,” Winter said, arching a brow, her eyes bright with mischief. “I was born this way. I couldn’t be ugly if I tried p>
Dominic sucked in a breath. This girl.
+25 Bonus
Did she have any idea how many men had just looked over? As a man, he recognized those looks immediately.
Was she doing this on purpose?
Then again, Winter had always been blunt and fearless. She probably didn’t even realize how dangerous she looked just now.
With that thought, Dominic glanced sideways at the man next to him.
Chris held a cane in one hand and wore a long black coat. He lowered his head to light a cigarette.
He caught the cigarette between his lips, flicked the lighter closed, and smoke drifted from his mouth. His eyes narrowed slowly.
From that distance, the smell of tobacco carried on the wind and reached Winter. It was quiet, almost nothing, but it still felt like a net closing over her. Her heartbeat jumped for no clear reason.
She frowned, but the moment she saw Zac step out of a car, she pulled her gaze away. She smiled and walked toward him.
“Zac. ”
The clean scent of perfume cut through the tobacco in the air.
When the soft, familiar greeting reached Chris’s ears, a cold, mocking smirk played across his lips.
Zac saw Winter and quickened his steps. Warm light filled his eyes as he smiled. “You look beautiful tonight. Are you cold p>
“I was when I first got out of the car, but I’m okay now.” Winter glanced at the young woman beside him and gave a small nod.
Yesterday, after her call with Steve, Zac had also reached out to ask if she would be attending the
auction.
When he learned she already had a date, he had acted calm and gracious.
The woman was clearly his plus–one for the evening.
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Florence
A passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.