Clark's POV

The media loves to paint me as being cold and reserved, but when it comes to giving back, I don't mind going out into the field and showing face.

Tonight, though, I'm here to network, too.

"Ava always does it big, huh?" Elias whispers after we step inside the heavily decorated venue. "Oh, look!"

With our arms linked, Elias tightens his grip while pointing at a row of massive posters on a wall. One of them belongs to Unchained Hearts. We stop to look at it, and I can't help but mirror Elias' smile as he reads over the mission statement included at the bottom.

"I hope your friends do well tonight. I'll be supporting them regardless," I tell him. "Anonymously, of course."

"You've done more than enough already!" Elias playfully swats my arm. "Keep your money in your pocket tonight. Let your rich friends spend theirs."

"Friends is a strong word," I mutter, looking out into the crowd. Apart from Elias' friends, and Ava who is walking toward us, I don't give a damn about any of these people. Their money is all I'm interested in.

"Clark, Elias, I'm so glad you made it!" Ava greets us with air kisses to the cheek. "Don't want to get any makeup on you two," she chuckles. "Elias, Kahlan and Remy are a dream. Thanks for getting us in touch."

"Of course! Thanks for having them be a part of this," he cheerfully replies. "Your support means the world."

"You're too kind. And by the way, they're seated at table six." Ava then pulls me aside, lowering her voice. "I managed to talk up Project Terra to Richard Meecham. Are you familiar with him?"

I nod. "Haven't met him personally, but he's got a good track record in the industry."

"That he does, which is why I'll pull you aside later for a proper introduction. Are you game?"

"Always. I'll chat with a few others in the meantime."

"Excellent! See you in a bit."

With the ongoing scandals facing our companies, it's nice to have someone like Ava in my corner. A bit of weight drops off my shoulders now that, for once, I don't have to do all the heavy lifting tonight.

"Everything okay?" Elias asks after we link arms again and make our way over to table six.

"So far." I smile, not wanting to transfer my worries onto him. Our situation is complicated enough.

"Well, well, well. I've heard more about you than I've seen, which is unfortunate." Kahlan, he greets, stands and extends a hand toward me when Elias and I reach the table. His smile is warm, but his dark eyes study me intently. "Nice to finally meet you, Mr. Ashford."

"Just Clark. And it's nice to meet you as well." I shake his hand and don't immediately feel anything off. "Elias has spoken highly of you."

"As he has of you," Kahlan says.

Along with Perry, I'm aware he and Kahlan knew about Elias working at a Rent a Partner. Elias told me while at Ava's retreat that he slipped up and told them he'd been seeing a billionaire, which we all now know is me.

I told him it would be fine if his friends knew the basics of our situation. They'd have figured out something was off before our year was up anyway. But as I look over at the other man standing, Remy, I assume he's the only one here still in the dark.

He must be because instead of sizing me up like Kahlan and Perry did, his gaze lingers on my date.

I don't like that.

"Remy, is it?" My smile fades as I acknowledge him. I think Elias senses when my mood shifts because he leans closer to me. "Can't say I've heard too much about you. How long have you and Elias known each other?"

"Oh, uh..." His blue eyes snap to my face. "We actually met through Kahlan."

"That's not what I asked."

Calm down. Elias isn't truly yours and this man isn't competition.

Elias laughs nervously. "We've known each other for a few years! We're all good friends."

He grabs my hand on the word friend.

"Right. Great to meet you." I extend my hand. We shake quickly and then take our seats.

"Be nice!" Elias whispers near my ear. "You're playing your role a little bit too well."

I lift a brow. "Isn't that a good thing?"

"Yes, but jealousy doesn't look good on you. I mean, it does, but still. We're playing pretend. Don't waste your energy on Remy." Then he mumbles before looking away from me, "He's not even my type."

I smirk. "Good to know."

It's a struggle to focus on the work I'm here to do considering I know exactly what my date looks like without his clothes on. I can still imagine the sensation of how his lips felt on my body, and all the different faces he made when mine were marking his. But now we're here, back to playing professionals in "love" and I don't know whether I'm going or coming.

Work. You're here to work, not battle for dominance.

After a few minutes of easy conversation, mostly with Elias and Kahlan because I can't seem to find my way off the petty boat, I shift gears to do what I came here for.

"If you all will excuse me, I need to do the rounds and run my mouth a little." I stand but keep my eyes on Elias. "Do you mind?"

"I think I can manage to entertain myself without you," he teases with a wink. "Good luck."

For the hell of it, I kiss him before making my way through the crowd. I don't turn back to see the expression on his face. The chuckling from Kahlan is more than enough.

It doesn't take much effort for me to get lost in a whirlwind of handshakes and fake laughter while I wait for Ava to introduce me to Richard. He's another player, not quite on her level but still capable, and someone Ashford Technologies hasn't had the pleasure of doing business with.

Me being here at this event can only do so much, but if rumor gets out that Richard and I are in talks with each other, it'll give Ashford Technologies another large boost of good publicity that we desperately need.

Only if I don't drop dead from boredom first.

As I'm extricating myself from a long-winded monologue whats-his-face is giving on market volatility, I spot a familiar figure across the room—my mischievous brother, Christian.

What the hell is he doing here?

He's all polished charm and dressed in his signature brand of suit, laughing with a group of primarily women who appear to be hanging on to his every word. It's an unusual sight, to say the least. I can count on one hand how many times I've seen him attend an event like this, so his presence has my curiosity skyrocketing.

I make a beeline toward him, and he waves casually when he sees me approaching. Interesting. He doesn't look shocked that we've run into each other at this very last minute event, so did he already know I'd be here?

He's up to something.

"Never thought I'd see you at a place like this," I comment after his admirers leave. "Last I checked, they weren't really your thing. So what are you doing here?" I don't bother to hide the suspicion in my voice.

"A friend extended an invitation, and I couldn't tell her no." Christian shrugs, nonchalant. "She's around here somewhere."

"Translation—you're here as her date."

"Don't insult me. I don't date, remember? I thought that was one of the few things we had in common."

I roll my eyes. "Don't be a smartass."

"Speaking of dates..." His gaze darts past me, no doubt searching for Elias. "Did yours enjoy the flowers I sent? I included my number, but never heard back from him."

My blood runs cold. "What are you talking about?"

"You think I haven't been keeping up with my busy little brother?" Christian laughs, slapping a hand on my shoulder. "I paid your boyfriend a visit to his little flower shop a while back. We got off on the wrong foot, which was my fault. I may have been too overprotective of you, so I sent him flowers to apologize for my behavior."

The background music and chatter around us fade into a dull hum as I process his words.

I slide my hands into my pockets, fists clenched as I struggle to maintain my composure. Why wouldn't Elias tell me about this? And since when does Christian care about my love life considering he never gave a damn before?

My gut screams at me again—he's up to something. But before I can demand answers, a smaller hand touches my elbow.

"Clark, I'm so sorry to interrupt." It's Ava. I force myself to relax as I greet her with a smile. "But there's someone I'd like you to meet..." She pauses, offering a polite smile to Christian. "It's about our earlier conversation."

Thank God she knows how to be discreet.

"Of course. I'm just wrapping things up with my brother, Christian." I turn to him again, looking directly in his eyes. "He just told me how moved he was after learning about all the different charities, and that he planned to give each one an anonymous donation of $50,000. Isn't that amazing?"

All the color drains from his face, and I take immense pleasure in it.

If he came here to keep an eye on Elias or whoever the fuck for whatever reason, then he isn't leaving without supporting the cause. All fifteen of them.

"Amazing indeed!" Ava exclaims, ready to jump for joy. "That's an incredible contribution, Mr. Ashford. You're helping so many lives tonight."

"Yes, well, that's why I'm here." Christian's grip tightens on my shoulder until Ava walks off. He drops his hand to shove me lightly. "What the hell was that about—"

"I'm only going to say this once," I cut him off, my tone sharp and expression empty. "As my brother, I appreciate you trying to look out for me, but I've already done your job. Elias is a good man. So I don't need you interfering with our relationship. Stay away from his business and never bother him again. Do we understand each other?"

"You really like him that much, huh?"

"I mean it, Christian..."

"I hear you. I'll stay in my lane from now on. You have my word." He hugs me briefly, pulling back with a half grin. "Go take care of business. We'll catch up later."

I walk off to play catch-up with Ava, and my mind races with unanswered questions. What game is Christian playing? And why the sudden interest in Elias?

I paste another fake smile on my face as Ava introduces me to Richard Meecham, a potential investor. And all throughout our conversation, I can't shake the feeling that my brother is up to some bullshit.

I won't rest until I find out whether that's true.

***

After the evening winds down, Elias and I say our goodbyes to everyone and head outside to the car. My driver hasn't had this many days off in a long while, so I hope he's enjoying himself.

Once inside, I let the keys sit in the ignition. Staring off into space, my fingers drum on the steering wheel as I try to find the right words to say when the earlier confusion and anger that I felt with Christian come rushing back.

"Are you okay? Did something happen with Ava?" Elias asks, concerned.

"No. Everything went well," I mutter. That much is true. Richard and I hit it off and exchanged contact information. "But when were you going to tell me about Christian's visit to your shop?"

"Christian was here?" Elias shifts in his seat, shock loud in his voice. "W-what did he say?"

"Enough." I turn to him. "But I would've preferred to hear about him sending you flowers to apologize for his poor behavior from you instead of him." I pause when it hits me. "He damn near looked excited to tell me that he ran into you."

"I wanted to tell you." He looks away from me, his voice softening. "I should have when it happened. I'm sorry."

"Why didn't you?"

"I just...I didn't want to worry you, and I thought it wasn't a big deal since he apologized. Or tried to."

"I'm not upset with you, Elias. I want to make that clear." I release a heavy sigh and start the car. I'm over this conversation. "I'm sure my brother meant well, but if he ever contacts you again, for any reason, I want to know about it immediately."

"You're making it sound like I should be worried about him. Should I be?" Elias asks, his brow furrowed.

"No, he's harmless. All talk. I just don't want him getting too interested in trying to befriend you since we're dating. Everything is riding on keeping our secret a secret, and if he finds out..."

Elias nods. "If he tries anything else, I'll let you know ASAP."

"Thanks."

Driving away from the venue, Christian's interest in Elias and our relationship still doesn't sit well with me. Part of me wants to believe it's genuinely just brotherly concern, and that's the only reason why he went to see Elias. Because he wanted to make sure he was suitable for me, his little brother.

But, knowing my brother can be just as ruthless as I am when it comes to getting something he wants, the other part of me feels it's something more calculated.

Regardless, I won't let anyone threaten what Elias and I are working toward. I'll protect him and my company no matter who we're up against.

Even if it is my own family.