Page 145 of The Owner's Temptation

Exactly how I wanted it.

The event space is stunning, as always—low lighting, gold accents, and the quiet undercurrent of money pulsing through the air like an unspoken language.

Elegant laughter. Clinking crystal.

A room full of people pretending they’re not here to buy each other.

And just as I suspected, most of the girls are dressed in black—satin, silk, leather. The unofficial Ledger uniform for mixers and midnight seduction. But me?

Powder blue.

Soft, romantic, memorable.

I stand out in the sea of shadows like a dangerous dream, and I can feel it immediately—the subtle shift in attention as heads turn in my direction.

I smile, poised and polite, offering a graceful wave to a few Companions I recognize from training sessions. One of them arches a brow at me in surprise. The other just smirks knowingly.

But it’s theclientsI’m here for.

And I don’t have to wait long.

“Miss Knight,” a deep voice greets me near the bar. “I was wondering if we’d see you tonight.”

I turn and immediately recognize him—an older gentleman with silver at his temples and a designer watch peeking from beneath his cuff. I met him briefly at the sponsor mixer. His name comes easily.

“Mr. Langston,” I reply warmly. “Still wearing Tom Ford. Still refusing to dance?”

He laughs, clearly delighted I remembered. “Guilty on both counts.” He takes a flute of champagne from a passing tray and offers it to me with a wink. “Though I might consider breaking that rule, for you.”

I accept the glass with a tilt of my head. “Tempting.”

He leans in slightly. “I was disappointed, you know. When Lucian pulled you off the sponsor roster.”

My smile doesn’t waver, but something sharp pierces through me. “Oh?”

“There was nearly a brawl over who would get the bid.” He chuckles, sipping from his own glass. “I was certain my bid would win. I heard you were the highest bidding trainee in a long time… possibly ever.”

The words land like a slap.

And yet I keep smiling.

Because I remember that day. Sitting in that room, thinking no one had bid for me. That I had somehow failed before I even began. That I was being fired.

Lucian let me believe it.

He watched me squirm. Let me unravel. All while he was the one who outbid everyone else, whoclaimedme without a word.

So, that is why the “top girl” didn’t get first pick of sponsors. Because I was the top girl. And someone did the honor of picking for me.

The heat beneath my skin sharpens. My anger curls low and quiet, fueled not just by the betrayal—but by the control.

Fine.

If he wants to play games, I’ll show him just how dangerous I can be when I stop pretending not to care.

I thank Mr. Langston with a polite nod and begin scanning the room, hunting.

I’m not here to flirt with the same old names. I’m here to make a point.

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