Later That Evening - 7:45 PM

Eva’s POV

The gala was exactly what I expected wealth masquerading as charity. Crystal chandeliers. Designer gowns. Men in tuxedos discussing stock portfolios while their wives compared jewelry.

And me, Eva Chen…Eva Vale…pretending I belonged here.

Cole’s hand rested on the small of my back as we navigated the crowd. It had been there since we’d arrived, a constant warm pressure that felt both protective and possessive.

Friends, I reminded myself. ...