Page 91 of Deadly Secrets

As we stepped into the ballroom, I came to a halt. I stood there, speechless, with my jaw on the floor. It wasn’t a big room by any means, but the way it had been decorated made you feel you were in the Italian Renaissance. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a soft, warm glow upon the room. Along the walls, Claudia had managed to place intricate tapestries in deep burgundy and royal purple, creating an illusion of opulence.

I quickly glanced around the room and saw Noah and Maggie chatting at the other end.

“Look, Noah and Maggie are over there,” I pointed out.

As we moved deeper into the ballroom, I caught the scent of freshly cut flowers. I recognized the aroma of lilies, magnolias, and orange blossoms instantly. I had spent a couple of springs in Seville, where the aroma of orange blossoms permeates every street during that time of the year.

The moment Noah saw me, his eyes darkened.

“You look stunning, Sienna. Come here.” Noah wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me close to his side, and gently placed a kiss on the corner of my lips.

“Have you seen Ander?” I asked them.

“Yes. He’s around here somewhere,” Maggie replied. “Have you talked to him yet?”

“No. But I intend to.”

“I don’t know what’s going on between you guys. Would you mind sharing it with the group?” Noah squeezed my middle.

“Let me talk to him first,” I said, scanning the faces around me until I made eye contact with William, who stood next to the bar. He gestured with his hand for me to join him. “I need to have a word with Ander’s father. I’ll be back.” I proceeded to walk over to where William stood with a couple in their mid-forties.

“I hope you’re enjoying the party,” he said, kissing my cheek. “Let me introduce you to Lorena and Patrick. They are old friends of mine who also knew your parents.”

“It’s lovely to meet you. You look so much like your mom,” the woman, Lorena, said.

The mention of my parents felt like an icy hand had gripped my heart. My chest tightened, and a heavy weight settled upon my shoulders. It was as though the air in the room had thickened, making breathing difficult. Memories of my parents flooded my mind, vivid and poignant, and I could feel their absence like an ache deep in my soul. I was going to start a new year without them in my life, and that was a hard pill to swallow.

The words hung in the air, heavy and tangible, casting a shadow over the conversation. I struggled to maintain my composure, to hide the raw vulnerability that threatened to spill over. I knew she didn’t mean to make me feel uncomfortable by any means, but the mention of them had uncovered a well of grief that I thought I was handling well. Apparently not.

“Thank you. That’s very kind of you. She was a beautiful woman.”

“And so are you,” Lorena responded.

“Have you seen Ander?” I looked around, but I didn’t see him.

“I believe he’s helping Claudia with something. Lorena, Patrick…do you mind if I have a word with Sienna in private?”

“Of course. It was a pleasure meeting you. Enjoy the party.”

Once the couple was far enough away not to overhear us, William leaned in and said, “Peter sent me the contract, and I went ahead and signed it this afternoon. But before I say anything in my speech, I just wanted to ensure you’re okay if I announced it tonight.”

“Of course. I don’t see the issue.”

“Great. I know that I’ve already said it, but thank you. It feels great to be back at Cos Pharma.”

“No problem, just…don’t make me regret my decision, okay?” I still had some reservations, but I was also aware of my father’s wrongdoing. William deserved to be back.

“I won’t.”

“Hey, girl.” Maggie came behind me. “You look thirsty. Shall we get something to drink?”

“Champagne?” William asked.

Maggie and I both nodded. William turned around and placed our drink orders.

“I wanted to give you a heads-up,” she warned, gesturing toward the opposite corner of the room. “I spotted Ander over there. He’s in conversation with a cougar who cannot keep her hands to herself. It seems like he could use a bit of rescuing.” Maggie noticed my hesitation. “Go. I’ll bring you the champagne.”

My friend was right; that woman kept touching Ander’s arm and chest and laughing like he was the funniest person in the world.

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