Stella's POV
The Moore family mansion glittered in the night, its expansive grounds transformed into a sparkling wonderland for Victor's birthday celebration. Luxury cars lined the winding driveway as Manhattan's elite, dressed in their finest attire, streamed into the grand ballroom.
I stood near the magnificent champagne tower at the center of the hall, sipping my champagne while observing the scene with practiced composure. Despite having attended countless high-society events since marrying Adam, being part of this exclusive circle still gave me a small thrill—though I'd never admit it aloud.
"Mrs. Lancaster," a middle-aged woman in an emerald gown approached, wearing an overly friendly smile, "are you looking for our birthday boy? I heard he left to pick up his date." She leaned closer, lowering her voice to a conspiratorial whisper, "No one knows which fortunate young lady has caught the Moore heir's attention! The speculation is driving everyone mad."
"Is that so?" I replied with a slight smile, watching the woman's eyes narrow at my apparent lack of curiosity.
"Indeed! Victor Moore has never brought a date to family functions before," she continued, clearly hoping I'd share some insider information. "Half the eligible daughters in Manhattan are heartbroken they weren't chosen."
I noticed Nathan Gray and Ava Martin passing nearby, obviously eavesdropping on our conversation. Ava's fingers tightened around her champagne flute when she heard Victor's name mentioned alongside "date."
"Everyone's wondering which prominent family produced the girl worthy of being on Victor Moore's arm," another guest chimed in. "My money's on the Vandermilts' youngest—they've been seen at the same charity functions several times."
I suppressed a laugh. *If only they knew the truth.*
"Excuse me," I said politely, spotting Adam returning from across the room. As I walked away, I couldn't help noticing Nathan's cold stare following me, his expression darkening as he whispered something to Ava.
Adam handed me a fresh glass of champagne, his presence warm and solid beside me. "Enjoying the speculation?" he asked quietly, his eyes gleaming with understanding.
"Immensely," I admitted. "Sam will make quite an entrance."
Adam's lips curved slightly. "Victor certainly knows how to create anticipation."
A sudden commotion at the entrance drew everyone's attention. The crowd began shifting, necks craning to see the main doors as an expectant hush fell over the room.
"Victor has arrived!" someone announced excitedly.
"Finally, we'll see who the mystery woman is!" another voice added.
I watched as a sleek midnight-blue Maybach pulled up to the red carpet at the entrance. The crowd collectively held its breath as the chauffeur opened the passenger door with ceremonial precision.
Victor emerged first, resplendent in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo. He turned and extended his hand into the car's interior. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as Sam appeared, her hand delicately placed in Victor's.
*Damn, she looks absolutely stunning.*
Sam had transformed herself with an elegant black gown that seemed to capture the night sky itself—thousands of tiny crystals scattered across the fabric like stars, catching the light with every movement. The dress hugged her curves perfectly before cascading to the floor in a dramatic train. Her hair was swept up in an intricate style that emphasized her slender neck and the diamond earrings that caught the light like miniature constellations.
"I must be seeing things," someone whispered loudly. "That's Samantha?"
"Isn't she Nathan Gray's ex-girlfriend?" another voice questioned.
"Victor and Nathan are cousins, aren't they? This is quite the statement..."
"Maybe she's just a regular date. Victor didn't actually say she's anything special."
"When has Victor Moore ever brought a 'regular date' to anything? Don't be ridiculous!"
The whispers grew louder as Victor placed Sam's hand in the crook of his arm, guiding her toward the entrance with a possessive confidence that left no doubt about his intentions. The couple paused at the threshold, a picture-perfect moment that would undoubtedly appear in society pages tomorrow.
The silence stretched uncomfortably until I decided to break it.
"Sam!" I called out cheerfully, moving forward to greet them.
As I walked, I felt a slight tug on my gown from behind. I glanced back to see Adam gracefully lifting the hem of my dress, preventing it from dragging on the floor.
Adam's natural intimate gesture triggered a fresh wave of whispers. I felt my cheeks warm slightly but continued forward, grateful that Sam's entrance had created a distraction.
"You look absolutely incredible," I told her honestly, carefully embracing her to avoid disturbing her perfect appearance.
"Thanks," Sam replied, her usual confidence tinged with unfamiliar nervousness. "This whole thing is ridiculous."
"You're doing great," I reassured her quietly. "Everyone is positively green with envy."
Victor smiled beside her, his typically sharp calculation softened by genuine pleasure at having Sam on his arm. His eyes briefly met mine, silently conveying understanding—appreciation for my support of their relationship.
Across the room, Nathan stood frozen, his gaze locked on Sam, his expression cycling between disbelief and fury. Ava clutched his arm, her knuckles white as she urgently whispered in his ear.
*Tonight is definitely going to be interesting.*
\---
After greeting several guests, Adam and I found a moment of respite by the champagne bar, temporarily escaping the social whirlwind. Mark approached us, with Luke and James at his side.
"Stella, you've been keeping secrets!" Mark teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he leaned against the bar. "Quite impressive ones at that."
"Hmm?" I tilted my head questioningly, genuinely confused by his comment.
Luke grinned broadly. "A woman your age already owning a private island and helicopter? Incredible!"
"Not to mention piloting skills," James added. "Most of us are still figuring out what to do with our trust funds."
I blinked in surprise. "How did you all find out about that?"
Mark laughed. "Everyone's talking about it! The mysterious Mrs. Lancaster, fashion consultant by day, island owner and helicopter pilot by night."
"Daniel Parker got completely drunk at the Skybar two nights ago," James explained. "He was loudly proclaiming how amazing you are—private island, personal helicopter, business savvy. He kept saying he'd lost his chance with an extraordinary woman." James tilted his head thoughtfully. "You don't think he has a crush on you, do you? Maybe that's why he seems so heartbroken—knowing he could never measure up?"
I noticed Adam's jaw tighten almost imperceptibly. "That's absurd," I quickly replied. "Daniel and I barely know each other."
"Well, when you all have some free time, you're welcome to visit the island," I offered, changing the subject. "It's a beautiful place for a weekend getaway."
Adam looked toward the entrance. "Where's John? I thought he'd be here by now."
"He went to pick up his girlfriend," Mark replied. "He's changed his type completely this time—she's some academic genius, a biochemist I think? Completely different from his usual models and actresses."
"A biochemist?" I asked, suddenly interested. The field was close to my own background, though I rarely discussed it these days. "Anyone I might know?"
"Doubt it," Luke replied. "She's relatively new to New York, apparently. John met her at some research fundraiser and has been completely smitten ever since."
James shifted uncomfortably under Adam's continued cool gaze. "Anyway, we should circulate. I see some investors I need to charm."
As they departed, I turned to Adam. "You didn't have to glare at poor James like that. He was just repeating gossip."
"I didn't appreciate his implication that Parker has romantic interest in my wife," Adam replied simply, his hand finding the small of my back in that possessively protective way that still made my heart race.
"Jealous, Mr. Lancaster?" I teased.
His green eyes met mine with sudden intensity. "Territorial, Mrs. Lancaster. There's a difference."
I felt a delicious shiver run through me at his words. *God, how does he still affect me like this with just a look?*
Just as I was about to respond, I noticed Victor being called away by an attendant. Sam stood alone momentarily before Ava and a group of society girls surrounded her like wolves circling prey.
"Excuse me," I murmured to Adam. "Sam needs backup."
I approached just in time to hear a sharp-featured girl with a stylish bob addressing Sam with barely concealed disdain.
"Samantha, are you actually Victor's girlfriend now?" she asked, her tone implying how impossible she found the concept.
"Kate, don't be ridiculous," another girl with auburn hair interjected before Sam could respond. "Samantha isn't the influential socialite she once was. And let's not forget—she's Nathan's discarded ex. Why would Victor Moore settle for someone else's leftovers?"