Chapter 29: The Charity Dinner

The reaction inside the ballroom was even stronger than Freya expected. People tried not to stare, but Louis Stone had once been one of the most powerful businessmen in the city. His public collapse had dominated financial news for weeks. Seeing him walk into a Knox Group event with his wife naturally attracted attention.

Freya kept her hand lightly around Louis's arm. "Everyone is looking at us," she whispered. "Let them." "Easy for you to say. You look like you're attending a board meeting." "And you look nervous." "I'm trying not to trip in heels."

Clement appeared within minutes. His welcoming smile faltered when he saw Louis beside her. "Freya. You came." His eyes moved to Louis. "Mr. Stone. I wasn't aware you'd be joining us."

Louis replied calmly, "My wife received an invitation. I assumed spouses were welcome." Clement couldn't object without embarrassing himself. "Of course. I'm glad you could make it."

Freya almost smiled. Clement had clearly intended the invitation for her alone. Louis's presence ruined whatever private conversation he had planned.

Several former business associates approached Louis afterward. Their greetings were polite but noticeably less enthusiastic than they would have been before his bankruptcy. One man spoke sympathetically about "difficult times" while another casually mentioned an executive position Louis might consider if he needed work.

Freya watched Louis handle every conversation without visible irritation. He thanked people, revealed nothing, and never appeared ashamed. She began to understand why the novel's male lead had considered him such a dangerous opponent.

At dinner, Freya and Louis were seated near Clement and his older brother, Marcus Knox. Marcus was more controlled than Clement, with sharp eyes that seemed to evaluate everyone at the table.

"Mrs. Stone," Marcus said, "I heard you've been selling part of your collection." Freya smiled politely. "Things I don't use." "Practical. Difficult circumstances often reveal talents people didn't know they had."

There it was again. Someone knew details about her private activities. "I wouldn't call listing handbags a talent," Freya replied. "But it's surprisingly profitable."

Marcus turned to Louis. "And you? Any plans for what comes next?" Louis cut into his food calmly. "Rest." "You've never been someone who rests." "Perhaps bankruptcy changed me."

Freya nearly choked on her water. If Louis had changed, then she was the queen of this fictional world. Marcus clearly didn't believe him either.

Later, Clement finally found Freya alone near the balcony while Louis was speaking to another guest. "Why did you bring him?" Clement asked. "He's my husband." "You know what I mean."

"No, I don't." Clement lowered his voice. "Louis can't give you anything anymore. Knox Group could. I could." Freya sighed. "We've already had this conversation."

Clement stepped closer. "You don't understand how bad his situation is. There are things about his collapse you don't know." Freya's attention sharpened. "Such as?"

Before Clement could answer, Louis's voice came from behind them. "I'd also like to hear that." Clement turned. Louis walked toward them slowly, his expression calm but his eyes cold.

Freya suddenly felt that the temperature around the balcony had dropped. Clement forced a smile. "Just giving Freya some friendly advice." Louis stopped beside her and placed a hand lightly at her waist. "Then give it to both of us. We're husband and wife, after all."

Clement said nothing. Freya looked between the two men and realized this dinner had already achieved one thing: whatever Knox Group wanted, Louis's bankruptcy was clearly only part of the story.

Louis guided Freya away before Clement could recover. Once they were inside, she whispered, "You enjoyed that." "Enjoyed what?" "Making him uncomfortable." Louis's expression remained innocent. "I was protecting my wife from unwanted advice." Freya rolled her eyes, but she couldn't stop a small smile. Across the room, Marcus Knox watched them together with a thoughtful expression. The reports he had received about their marriage were clearly outdated, and that made Freya a much more interesting variable than he had expected.