His Pride Shattered, My Heart Released

Chloe guided the model toward the first setup in the estate's sprawling gardens.

During a brief pause to change lenses, Chloe noticed one of Sabrina's assistants jogging over, looking frantic.

"Sabrina!" the assistant called out, waving a phone. "Mr. Astor's executive secretary just called. He wants you to head to the hotel earlier this afternoon. He's sending a car to pick you up."

Mr. Astor?

The name hit Chloe like a physical blow. She had heard rumors that Sabrina's new billionaire backer was a major player in the corporate world. Julian was the CEO of Astor Holdings... but it had to be a coincidence, right? There were other Astors. It was just a common name in high society. She exhaled a shaky breath, trying to calm the sudden, violent hammering of her heart.

Upon hearing that her wealthy patron wanted to see her early, Sabrina's entire demeanor shifted. She became visibly impatient, clapping her hands and demanding Chloe hurry up.

She didn't even bother to review the photos on the monitor. The second the final flash popped, she ordered her team to pack up and practically sprinted to her waiting SUV.

Chloe watched the dust settle in the driveway, a knot of unease tightening in her stomach. She instructed Olivia to pack up the gear, and they headed back to the city.

Just as she was getting ready to leave the studio for the day, her boss, David Price, knocked on her office door.

"Chloe, I just got a call from an old friend," David said, looking a bit apologetic. "He needs some high-quality candid shots taken at a private banquet tonight. If you're free, could you come with me? The pay is double your usual rate."

"Sure," Chloe agreed. Since Julian wasn't coming home tonight, she would only be cooking for one anyway. She might as well make some extra money and keep her mind occupied.

The banquet was being held at the Atlantis Hotel, a legendary seven-star establishment known for hosting the city's most elite gatherings.

Chloe grabbed her backup camera bag and followed David to the grand ballroom. David introduced her to a few older gentlemen in sharp tuxedos.

"These are the clients I mentioned," David explained quietly. "They need some good PR photos for an upcoming corporate profile. Just find the right angles and make them look distinguished."

"Understood," Chloe said, slipping into her professional mode. She knew how crucial image was for these titans of industry.

She spent the next hour weaving through the glittering crowd, her eye pressed to the viewfinder. The room was a sea of bespoke suits and designer gowns, humming with the low murmur of million-dollar deals being struck over champagne.

Suddenly, a familiar figure stepped into the frame of her lens.

Chloe lowered the camera, her breath catching in her throat.

It was Julian. He was wearing a dark navy suit that fit his broad shoulders perfectly, accessorized with a subtle, vintage brooch on his lapel. He looked breathtakingly handsome, a prince holding court among his subjects. He accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, a rare, polite smile gracing his usually stoic features as he conversed with a group of investors.

But it wasn't Julian's presence that made Chloe's blood run cold. It was the woman standing next to him.

Wearing a stunning champagne-colored strapless gown, the woman had her arm looped intimately through Julian's. Her face was perfectly made up, radiating a smug, triumphant glow.

It was Sabrina Vance.

Chloe stared at them from across the room, her fingers gripping the camera so tightly her knuckles turned white.

Before she left this morning, Julian had told her he had a business gala. She hadn't expected him to be here, at this specific event. And she certainly hadn't expected him to be the "Mr. Astor" Sabrina was so eager to meet.

So the rumors were true. He was Sabrina's sponsor.

Then what did that make her? A convenient roommate? A secret mistress who wasn't even allowed to see the light of day?

The humiliation was a physical ache. Chloe bit her lip hard, tasting copper. Terrified that Julian would spot her, she spun around, desperate to escape the ballroom.

In her blind panic, she collided hard with a waiter carrying a tray of drinks.

The tray tipped, and a full glass of red wine splashed directly onto Chloe's crisp white work blouse.

The cold liquid soaked through instantly, clinging to her skin. The commotion drew a few stares, and the waiter began apologizing profusely.

The noise caught Julian's attention. He turned his head, his sharp gaze cutting through the crowd. He saw Chloe standing there, pale and trembling, her hands frantically trying to pull the stained, translucent fabric away from her chest.

Julian's brow furrowed. He gently but firmly detached Sabrina's hand from his arm and strode purposefully across the room toward Chloe.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his voice low.