Chapter11

**A Dangerous Encounter**

Above the opulent ballroom, the chandeliers shone, their golden light reflecting off of polished silver and crystal glassware. Around me, conversations hummed, laughing erupting in a well-crafted tune of wealth and power. However, I didn't sense it.

With each second that went by, my grip tightened as I manipulated the champagne flute in my hand. It was another performance to be here, clad in diamonds, grinning through veiled scrutiny. I was supposed to play the part of Jack Sterling's wife. Like a shadow, the voices followed me, their eyes darting toward me with a mixture of curiosity and ill intent.

**The uninvited guest at the charity gala. The bride is under contract.

Another woman walked by, her eyes sweeping over me with demonstrable distaste, and I forced a pleasant grin onto my lips. Jack had picked out a sleek black dress for me, but it felt like a straitjacket all of a sudden. Even though I had become accustomed to the looks and the whispers behind painted lips, something was different tonight.

My skin pricked with awareness as a cold went down my spine. I was being watched. Not with derision or frivolous curiosity, like the others. This stare was waiting, piercing, and keen.

I looked around the throng, but all I saw were pretentious poses and pointless chatter. Then I got him.

A man I had never seen before.

He should have looked sophisticated because he was tall, slim, and had salt-and-pepper hair that was slicked back. However, there was something strange about him, something hiding behind his dapper smirk and well-tailored tuxedo. He raised his drink in a faux salute as soon as our eyes locked, a knowing smile spreading across his lips.

My stomach twisted with uneasiness.

With a deep exhale, I turned away. I knew enough about Jack to know that danger lurked behind pricey clothing. The charity wasn't the reason this man was here.

As I walked toward the balcony in search of some quiet, a chill went down my spine. However, a voice slithered behind me as soon as I walked outside into the crisp night air.

"You're not supposed to be here."

I went cold.

Beneath the politeness, there was something sinister in the deep, smooth voice. My heart pounded against my ribs as I slowly turned.

The man watched me with amused disinterest while leaning against the balustrade. His eyes were a frigid blue up close, too calculating, too icy.

I tried to keep my voice calm as I said, "I don't think we've met."

Swirling the amber liquid in his glass, he laughed. "No, we haven't. But, Amelia, I know you.

It seemed like a violation to hear my name on his tongue. I made my shoulders square. "So I guess you're in a better position. Who are you?

Slowly and deliberately, he smiled. "Your husband's old friend."

Between us, Jack's name lingered unsaid like a loaded gun.

I had no faith in him.

His eyes swept over me, evaluating. "You have no place in Jack's universe. Both of us are aware of that.

I raised my chin. "I believe I should make that decision."

He gave a sharp, amused exhale through his nostrils. "You have courage. I'll grant you that. But when Jack ultimately determines that you are expendable, bravery won't save you.

I gasped.

Fingers curled around my wrist, hard and possessive, before I could reply. Jack's presence was a wall of controlled rage, and I turned just as he dragged me behind him.

It felt like the nighttime temperature dropped by ten degrees.

"Grayson," Jack stated in a surprisingly composed tone.

Grayson, the stranger, grinned. Yes, he is there. I was starting to doubt that you would arrive.

Jack's knuckles turned white as he tightened his hold on my wrist. "You're coming here with a death wish."

Grayson cocked an indifferent head. "Calm down, old friend. All I was doing was talking to your wife. She's really... captivating. His gaze strayed to mine. "Really, shame."

Something deadly began to creep into Jack's stance as his posture changed. "Go now. Right now.

Grayson remained still. "Jack, you ought to have remained dead."

My heartbeat quickened. "What?"

Jack had a firm hold on me. I sensed the stress running through him, but he didn't release it.

Grayson grinned. "Sorry. Was she unaware?

Jack moved so quickly that I hardly noticed. Grayson was smirking one moment, and then Jack's forearm was putting pressure on his throat, pinning him against the stone wall.

The once-glamourous gala was forgotten as the atmosphere changed. This was something more ancient, something unadulterated. a conflict in which I was not invited.

Despite the pressure against his windpipe, Grayson managed to wheeze out a laugh. "Very predictable even now."

Jack had a low, lethal voice. "I will bury you if you approach her once more."

Grayson's smile remained unwavering. "I would be cautious about making unfulfillable promises." His gaze strayed to mine. "Jack, she deserves to know. Be honest with her, or I will.

Grayson stumbled as Jack gave him a hard shove back. Unconcerned, the older man fixed his tuxedo and, after giving me one more knowing look, vanished into the crowd.

I let out a trembling breath. "Jack—"

"Not in this place." His hand remained on mine as he dragged me away from curious eyes, and his voice was piercing.

Through whispers and interested looks, we navigated the crowd until we arrived at the black town vehicle that was waiting outside. I turned to him as soon as the doors closed behind us.

"What was he talking about, Jack?"

Jack clenched his teeth and let out a breath through his nostrils. "Ignore him."

I balled my fists up. "Did I just hear that my husband was supposed to be dead?"

He gave a tiny wince, but it was sufficient.

As I looked at him, I realized something. "Jack... What do you not tell me?

Heavy, suffocating, silent.

At last, he looked directly into my eyes.

"I never explained to you how my parents actually passed away." It was nearly impossible to hear his voice. "Because whoever killed them wasn't done yet."

I felt a chill of fear sink into my bones. "Jack."

His fingers clenched into a fist on his lap, his eyes troubled.

That evening, they also came for me. They also didn't succeed. He spoke in a hollow voice. "However, they will not fail once more."

The city lights flickered by us as the automobile sped through the darker streets. But behind its tinted windows, I no longer felt secure.

Because Jack Sterling wasn't simply being haunted by his history.

It was on its way to us both.