Chapter 26 Come with me
CHAPTER 26
Come with me
The quiet corner Leo led Ruby to overlook the garden terrace, where fairy lights hung between marble pillars like strings of golden fireflies. Here, away from the swirl of people and the sharp eyes of gossip hungry guests, Ruby finally felt her heartbeat settle.
Leo slid a glass of water toward her from a nearby serving tray. “Drink.”
She took it, grateful. “Are you always this protective at parties?”
“Only when I bring someone I care about.” he replied bluntly..
Ruby almost choked. Her fingers tightened around the glass. “Care about?” She turned towards him already.
Leo blinked slowly, realizing what he had just revealed. For a brief moment, a rare vulnerability flickered across his face so soft it was nearly invisible. “Ruby, I didn’t mean—”
“You did,” she whispered, her voice barely audible. “I heard it.”
He looked away, jaw flexing, like the truth made him uncomfortable simply because it had slipped out without permission.
But before Ruby could ask more, a shadow approached from behind the pillar. Instantly, Leo straightened, stiff as steel. Ruby turned—and there was Stella again, her expression too neutral to be genuine.
“There you two are,” she announced, voice smooth like a knife polished to brilliance. “I was wondering why you disappeared from the dance floor so quickly.”
Leo didn’t hide his irritation. “You interrupted us.”
“And I apologized for that,” Stella replied, though her tone held zero apology. “But it’s almost time for dinner, and I need to be sure you’re prepared.”
Ruby felt Leo’s irritation deepen. “Prepared for what?”
Stella clasped her hands gracefully in front of her, like a queen addressing peasants. “For presentation, public expectation, you know how these dinners work, Leo. You’re expected to mingle with the right people.
Sit with the right people.
Speak to the right people.
We need the media coverage to portray unity, stability, and—”
“I’m not a mannequin you dress in expectations,” Leo cut in.
Stella blinked once, expression tightening. “No, darling. But you are the face of this family. And faces need polishing.”
Ruby felt the insult in her bones even though it wasn’t directed at her. Stella’s gaze flicked toward Ruby briefly… critically.
“And,” Stella added lightly, “I thought it would be beneficial to remind you that tonight’s focus is not…” she paused, letting her eyes land on Ruby like she was a stain on silk, “distractions.”
Ruby stiffened.
Leo growled under his breath. “Stella—”
“Let me finish,” she said, raising a manicured hand. “I’m only giving advice. You know how society functions. The woman by your side says a lot about your intentions, your brand, your—”
Leo stepped forward, closing the space between them. “Her name is Ruby, use it.”
Ruby’s breath caught at the fierceness in his tone.
Stella’s smile didn’t falter—but something icy glinted behind it. “Fine,” she said softly. “Ruby.” Her eyes settled on the other girl, predatory yet polished. “Dear, this is your first major public event, isn’t it?”
Ruby felt Leo’s hand brush against her back, grounding her. “Yes, ma’am,” she said carefully.
“No need to be nervous.” Stella’s smile sharpened.
“Just remember—this world requires posture, class, and self awareness. Some people…” her gaze lowered to Ruby’s simple bracelet, the only accessory she wore, “learn these things slower than others.”
Ruby’s cheeks burned.
Leo stepped in front of her—literally shielding her with his body. “Say what you really want to say, Stella.”
Stella’s expression stayed flawless. “I already did.”
The tension thickened. Ruby could see guests across the hall glancing toward them. Stella seemed pleased by that. She smoothed the front of her gown.
“Now,” she continued, voice light and airy, “the dinner will begin soon. Leo, you’ll sit at the head table with our VIP guest, Mr. Aldrington. He’s considering investing in the upcoming expansion project, and your presence will help solidify confidence.”
Leo didn’t blink. “Ruby sits with me.”
Stella froze.
It was only half a second—barely noticeable—but Ruby saw the micro expression, pure annoyance.
“That… won’t be possible.” Stella clasped her hands calmly. “The head table is for executive members only. Ruby is not part of the family—nor the company.”
Leo’s jaw hardened. “She’s part of my night.”
Stella inhaled slowly through her nose. “Leo—”
“I’m not repeating myself.”
The ballroom around them seemed to quiet a little, like the air itself braced for impact.
Stella kept smiling, but her eyes lost warmth completely. “If you insist on this… arrangement,” she said sweetly, “I’ll have to rearrange the seating chart. The photographers won’t like the change. Neither will the board.”
“Then they can complain to someone who cares,” Leo said. “Because I don’t.”
Stella exhaled—elegantly, dramatically, like her patience was a delicate flower being crushed by his defiance. “Very well. But don’t blame me when the headlines tomorrow are less flattering than usual.”
She turned on her heel and walked away, leaving a trail of expensive perfume and unspoken threats behind her.
Ruby watched her disappear, her pulse pounding. “Leo… you don’t have to fight with her because of me.”
“I’m not fighting because of you,” he murmured. “I’m fighting because of her.”
He turned fully toward Ruby, expression softening. “Come with me.”
She followed him to the terrace edge. The night air was cooler, sweeter, brushing against her skin like silk. Leo leaned his arms on the stone railing, staring out at the garden while Ruby stood beside him.
“You okay?” he asked.
Ruby hesitated. “I’m trying to be.”
He turned his head, studying her. “Talk to me.”
She swallowed. “I’m just… afraid I’m making tonight harder for you.”
“You’re not.”
“Stella seems to think otherwise.”
“Stella thinks the sun won’t rise unless she orders it,” Leo muttered.
Ruby let out a shaky breath. “It’s not that I don’t want to be beside you. I do. It’s just… this world feels like it’s waiting for me to make a mistake.”
Leo shifted closer. “Ruby.”
She looked at him.