?Chapter 1078:


    Wesley pressed his face into the curve of her neck, and when he spoke, she could feel his warm breath trailing softly along her skin.


    Elena had picked up on the fact that he seemed especially fond of holding her this way. Whenever they were alone, he’d find an excuse to nuzzle into her neck. After a few long minutes, Elena felt her body finally warm up, the cold forgotten. She pushed against his chest, gently but firmly. “I’m warm now, really.” Curiosity flickered in her eyes. “Why did youe over at this hour?”


    Still refusing to let go, Wesley looked at her through heavy-lidded eyes, his voice a rough whisper. “I just needed to recharge. Let me hold you a little longer.”


    Every minute with Elena seemed to fill him with peace. She was the calm at the center of his world.


    A slow inhale let Wesley savor the soothing, herbal fragrance on her skin—something about it was strangely addictive. Gone was the poised businessman, reced by a manpletely undone by his girlfriend.


    A soft flush crept up Elena’s cheeks. She still hadn’t gotten used to the way he wore his heart on his sleeve now. In the past, he’d only said such things in private moments, buttely, he had no trouble showing affection whenever the mood struck.


    Silence settled over the car,fortable and warm, as she let him hold her for a few moments more before ncing at her watch. She nudged him away. “It’ste. You really should head back,” she suggested.


    A sly sparkle flickered in Wesley’s eyes as he finally opened them. “Actually, I want you toe with me tonight.”


    Surprise widened Elena’s eyes. “Where are we going?”


    A cold gleam flickered in Wesley’s gaze. “Join me at a banquet. We’re about to watch a little chaos unfold.”


    Wesley had already picked out the perfect ensemble for Elena—a sleek evening gown in deep ck velvet. He took her to an upscale boutique that specialized in bespoke fashion and handed her the dress he’d personally chosen.


    Once Elena slipped into the strapless gown, its sculpted fit and dramatic lines gave her an air of mystique and refined grace.


    Wesley’s gaze lingered in open admiration. She had the look of royalty—captivating, impossible to ignore.


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    Elena dusted on just enough makeup to entuate her features, finished with a bold sweep of lipstick, and gathered her hair into an elegant updo, leaving her slender neck exposed. The look only heightened her queenly poise.


    A shadow passed through Wesley’s eyes as he caught sight of her crimson lips, a flicker of longing darting across his mind. Tonight, he reminded himself, wasn’t the right moment.


    d in a ssic ck suit, Wesley offered his arm with a courtly gesture. “Shall we, my queen?”


    Elena gracefully linked her arm with his. Together, they slid into the car and headed off to the evening’svish gathering.


    Inside, the ballroom glittered, overflowing with high-profile guests from every corner of society.


    As Wesley entered with Elena at his side, a hush swept over the room. Heads turned, conversations faltered, and all eyesnded on the striking pair.


    “Is Wesley really here with a woman on his arm?”


    “Yeah—wasn’t he meant to marry Liam’s daughter? Bringing a date tonight is practically a p in Liam’s face, isn’t it?”


    “Spencer Group’s already up to its neck in trouble. Is he trying to make things even worse?”


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