Giovanni POV

“Let’s move to the front,” Cole said, and Gray’s fingers slipped into mine—firm, protective, like he wanted the whole room to see. We walked after him, weaving through the glittering crowd until Cole stepped up onto the stage.

“Thank you all for tonight,” he began, his voice smooth and commanding. “You honored our invitation, and it means a great deal to me—and to my family. The main reason I hosted this dinner tonight is simple: I am officially back in ...