Sarah's POV
"Wow," Victoria said, her eyes sliding over me slowly. "Is that really what you chose to wear?"
Her voice was sweet, but the words cut deep.
I felt my face burn. My fingers tightened around my glass.
"I like it," I said, though my voice shook.
Victoria smiled wider. "Of course you do. You always did have… simple taste."
Marcus chuckled beside her.
"And this must be the fiancé," Victoria continued, turning her sharp eyes to Daniel. "He looks very… familiar."
Her gaze dropped to his suit. "Did you borrow that from a thrift store?"
A few people nearby went quiet. Others pretended not to listen, but they leaned closer.
My chest hurt.
Daniel stayed calm. Too calm.
"Yes," he said. "I did."
Victoria laughed. "How sweet. Sarah always had a soft spot for charity cases."
That word hit me hard.
I swallowed. "Stop."
Marcus raised his drink. "Relax, Sarah. We are just joking."
"You never joked like this before," I said.
"That was before," Marcus replied. "People grow."
Victoria leaned closer to me. "Some people grow up. Others stay stuck."
Tears filled my eyes before I could stop them. I blinked fast, but one slipped down my cheek.
I hated that she saw it.
Marcus smirked. "Looks like nothing has changed."
That was when Daniel moved.
He stepped forward slowly, placing himself between me and them. His body blocked their view of my face.
His voice was calm, but cold.
"Enough," he said.
Victoria raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me," Daniel replied. "Enough."
Marcus laughed. "And who are you to tell us what to do?"
Daniel looked straight at him. His eyes were sharp now. Focused.
"I am someone who does not enjoy watching bullies," he said.
Victoria scoffed. "Bullies? Please. We are just being honest."
"Honesty without kindness is cruelty," Daniel said.
A few people nearby shifted uncomfortably.
Marcus stepped closer. "You should watch your tone."
Daniel did not move back. "Or what?"
The air felt tight. Heavy.
Marcus smiled, but there was anger in his eyes. "You think you are impressive? Standing there in a cheap suit, playing hero?"
My heart pounded.
"I do not need to impress you," Daniel replied.
Victoria crossed her arms. "You should be grateful Sarah even looks at you. Men like you do not get women like her."
My hands shook.
Daniel's voice dropped lower. "Careful."
Marcus laughed again. "Careful? Or what? You will cry?"
"I will remember," Daniel said.
Marcus rolled his eyes. "You sound dramatic."
Then Marcus lifted his glass again. "Anyway, Victoria and I have bigger things to worry about. I just closed a deal with Blackwell Industries."
The room buzzed.
"That is huge," someone whispered.
Victoria smiled proudly. "Yes. Marcus has been very busy."
Marcus nodded. "Worth millions."
My stomach twisted.
Daniel's eyes flickered for just a second.
Marcus noticed.
"What?" Marcus asked. "Surprised?"
Daniel met his stare. "A little."
Marcus laughed. "Not everyone gets to sit at the big table."
Daniel tilted his head slightly. "You should be careful who you insult, Marcus. You never know who is listening."
The room went silent.
Marcus frowned. "What is that supposed to mean?"
Daniel did not answer right away.
I looked up at him, my heart racing. His hand found mine again, steady and warm.
Victoria laughed sharply. "Oh please. Are you threatening us now?"
"No," Daniel said. "I am warning you."
Marcus scoffed. "You think you scare me?"
Daniel leaned in just enough for Marcus to hear him clearly.
"People with power do not shout," he said quietly. "They watch."
Marcus's smile faltered.
"What is your problem?" Marcus snapped.
Daniel straightened. "You are."
Victoria opened her mouth, but before she could speak, someone called Marcus's name from across the room.
Marcus hesitated, then looked at Daniel one last time.
"This is not over," Marcus said.
Daniel nodded once. "No. It is not."
They walked away, but the whispers followed them.
I stood there, shaking.
"Are you okay?" Daniel asked softly.
I nodded, though my legs felt weak.
"You did not have to do that," I said.
"Yes, I did," he replied.
People began to move again. Music returned, but the mood had changed.
Sophie appeared at my side, eyes wide. "Sarah. Are you okay?"
I nodded again. "I think so."
She glanced at Daniel. Her gaze lingered, thoughtful.
"That was… impressive," she said slowly.
Daniel gave a small nod.
Sophie leaned closer to me. "We need to talk later."
I swallowed. "I know."
Across the room, Marcus spoke urgently into his phone. Victoria whispered in his ear, her face tight.
Daniel watched them, his expression unreadable.
"What are you thinking?" I asked.
"That some deals are built on lies," he said.
My heart skipped.
"Daniel," I whispered. "Who are you really?"
He looked at me, his eyes softening.
"Soon," he said. "I promise."
The words sent a chill through me.
Soon felt too close.
And I was not sure I was ready for the truth.