Elliott ignored the glances directed his way. This was the worst part of playing his brother. He hated the attention his looks could get the moment he entered the room.
So, he barely registered the people speaking to him as he moved through the ballroom. Their faces blurred together. If he were really an actor, he would be interested in smooching these investors and other celebrities. He wasn't.
He hated people who pretended to be benevolent when they were sharks underneath.
His gaze swept across the room once more. He was looking for the only person he was interested in tonight. Vanessa Grant. He finally found her at the top of the mezzanine looking down.
And then he could not look away. She was standing above, looking at the room and the crowd, looking too striking for her own good.
He found himself at a loss for words. She was not beautiful in the traditional sense of the word, but in this moment, even the most beautiful would pale in front of her. Tonight, she was inevitable. As if she had been born to be standing exactly there, above everyone and looking exactly like that, the world at her feet.
But her gaze seemed to be fixed on something. He wanted to turn around and look. But he could not look away from her. He felt a moment of irritation at that. Since when did he have a problem looking away from a face? He tightened his jaw and deliberately looked away.
And then looked back. Within three seconds! Dam* it! What the hell was wrong with him tonight?
She still hadn't moved. He stared at her unabashedly, suppressing his own feelings for a moment. The chandelier's light caught the gold embroidery at her shoulders and he found himself noticing even that smallest detail. From her clothes to the way she stood with poised natural stillness was too enchanting.
He had been around beautiful women all his life. Women who had been told since childhood that their faces were their greatest asset and had built their entire personalities around protecting that asset. Women who moved through rooms like they were auditioning for them.
Vanessa Grant just stood like she owned the building. Finally, she gave a small smile and then turned. That is when he turned to see what it was that had been holding her attention. And his eyes narrowed.
She had been staring at Ethan and Lynette Grant. However, he did not look at them for long. Instead, he turned to watch her glide beautifully down the stairs. Unlike any other bride, she did not make an entrance.
She was already halfway down by the time the people realized that she was there. And yet, he knew when they noticed. Unbidden, he took a few steps towards the staircase.
But he'd barely taken a few steps, when Ethan Clark appeared at the foot of the staircase. He raised an eyebrow. Wasn't this man's plan to make her appear a fool and delusional by pretending to be her friend only? Why then had the man appeared there at precisely the right moment to play the devoted fiance. He watched Vanessa's face as she watched him.
Well, she could be a great actor. There was no change in her expression. Not a happy smile to show that she appreciated the gesture and not a flicker that would let anyone know she was aware of this man's true nature.
And yet, she placed her hand in his. His jaw tightened.
The movement was so small that no one in the room would have noticed it. He barely noticed it himself.
***
Vanessa felt herself tremble as she placed her hand in Ethan's hand. His fingers tightened immediately around hers as he turned his head to look at her. She tried not to let her disdain show. She knew from the smug look on his face that he thought her trembling was because of him. But in fact, it was because of the gaze that seemed to be fixed on her.
She'd seen him enter the large hall at first glance. And noticed how every woman's gaze had been stuck to him. He really was the most beautiful man. She had tried not to stare. It had not worked at all. She had seen as he walked through the people like a king disdaining to look down at peasants around him.
And then had almost laughed out loud when he had moved to directly ignore Lynette. But then, his gaze had found her.
She had looked away immediately to see Lynette flouncing back to Ethan. But seeing them together like this had not hurt as much as she would have expected it.
Until she walked down the stairs and noticed Ethan coming her way. She'd wanted to turn back and run away. Or better yet, walk directly to Elliott, whose gaze she could still feel on her. Even now, surrounded by hundreds of people, she was strangely aware of exactly where he was standing. It was with great effort that she had placed her hand in Ethan's and left it there. She needed to see this play out.
She knew they planned to humiliate her but she didn't know how. Let them direct their play first. Then she would show them, why she was the top director.
But Ethan continued to lead her towards the stage where they would get engaged. She frowned. What did he mean by this? Was he planning to get engaged now? Had they changed their plan?
Before she could think of anything else, they had reached the edge of the stage. As carefully and chivalrously as he had helped her down the stairs, he now climbed up the stage, helping her up. Vanessa almost raised an eyebrow at the gestures. This was Ethan Clark playing for the cameras, showing what a gentleman he was?
Soon, everyone broke out into applause as Ethan presented her and then walked towards the microphone, where the emcee was now standing giving him a frowning look. Vanessa's hands clenched. So, this was what he had planned? Bring her to the stage and then make the announcement.
The room slowly quieted. Several cameras turned towards the stage. Vanessa could suddenly hear the pounding of her own heartbeat beneath the applause. This is what he would have done to her if she had not overheard everything that night? She almost broke into a cold sweat as Ethan's voice now sounded through the large ballroom.
"Ladies and gentlemen, Vanessa and I grew up together. She has always been like a little sister to me. Tonight, it is with great pleasure that I bring her here, to unite with the love of her life."
And then, he turned to her and said," Vanessa. You make a beautiful bride- to- be. Where is the groom- to- be?"