Adrian didn’t flinch or even step away from Elara. Instead, he moved even closer, his hand sliding firmly around her waist as he lifted his gaze to meet Carris’.

Elara’s body immediately went rigid the moment his palm came in contact with the thin layer of fabric at her side. Her expression turned cold instantly.

"Let go," she said in a sharp dangerous whisper.

But Adrian did not budge. Instead, his grip tightened more.

Elara felt her blood boil. She did not care whatever reason he had for doing this. She only wanted the pressure of his hand off her waist.

A cold snort escaped her lips as she immediately reached down and grabbed his wrist, trying to wrench his hand away from her body.

But Adrian remained as still as a statue.

Elara applied more force not realizing the movement kept pressing her palm tightly against his hand.

Still... he did not let go. Instead, his gaze slowly lowered to where their hands were tangled together, his expression turning unreadable.

Carris seem to not be able to take it anymore. He stepped fully into the room, a soft scoff escaping him as he walked toward them.

Elara finally managed to pull Adrian’s hand away before quickly stepping back from him. "You’re crossing boundaries," she muttered firmly while staring directly at him.

Carris’ eyes shifted from Elara toward Adrian. "We’re leaving," he said calmly.

Adrian remained where he was, not saying a word. Then a cold snort escaped him. "Not yet."

Carris gave a small sneer before turning toward Elara. "Let’s go."

"No." Adrian’s voice came again.

Carris let out a short laugh. "You know what amazes me Mr. Vale?" he said calmly. "Your memory. Did you completely forget that you have a fiancee who is also attending this premiere tonight? Because last I checked, the press expects you to be standing beside her not playing wardrobe inspector for my co star."

The room instantly fell silent.

Elara stood still, her lips pressing tightly together as her gaze drifted away.

She truly did not know what to do with this situation anymore. She hated things like this.

Situations where people tried to decide things around her as if she had no say in them.

Carris had always been blunt and protective. She knew that much was sincere. But Adrian...

He never did anything without calculation. She was certain there was something he was trying to achieve again with all of this. And she had no intention of dragging Carris into whatever game this was.

Elara cleared her throat softly before looking toward Carris, her expression warming a bit. "It’s fine, it’s just a dress" she said calmly.

Adrian looked at the two of them silently, his grey eyes turning completely icy. "Miss Veyne’s schedule is already handled," he said in a low emotionless voice. "You should worry less about my engagements and more about your own performance."

"Interesting," Carris muttered, amusement flickering in his eyes.

"Not really," Adrian replied calmly. Then his gaze slowly shifted toward Elara again. His lips pressed into a thin line as he locked eyes with her.

"A car will arrive at your apartment by six," he said coldly. "You’ll use it."

A short laugh escaped Elara’s throat, though she never looked away from him.

It wasn’t even the fact that he wanted to go as far as arranging a car for her that amused her. It was the way he said it so calmly. So confidently. As though he had already decided for her.

Even though she did not own a car, she could hire an ordinary city cab... or even rent a good looking car if she wanted.

Anything was better than letting Adrian Vale think he could dictate her movements with a snap of his fingers.

"I’m sorry but I don’t think that would be possible." she said coldly.

Adrian’s expression did not change at all. 𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

"A cab doesn’t have reinforced glass," he said smoothly, as if he could already read her thoughts. He then looked down at her. "And considering the internet currently believes you and Mr. Riole are halfway to announcing a wedding, that’s quite risky."

A cold snort escaped him as his gaze moved to Carris. Then he walked past both of them toward the door. When he got there, he stopped and turned to look at Elara again.

"Six o’clock," he said calmly. "The choice is yours."

Then he walked out, leaving Elara and Carris standing rooted to the ground in the room.

Carris let out a snort after his figure had disappeared. "He really is going all out."

Elara’s eyes remained fixed on the door for a few more seconds, her expression unreadable. She then finally turned to Carris.

"You should go now. I’ll meet you at the venue." she muttered.

Carris’ expression softened a little after hearing her words. Then he gave a small nod.

"It’s alright," he said calmly. "But are you really sure about going in his..." He paused briefly before sighing. "Never mind. If you feel uncomfortable about any of this, just tell me. I’ll give you one of my..."

Elara’s soft laugh immediately cut him off.

"You rich people. What now?" she muttered with amusement. "Are you trying to impress me because I don’t own a car?"

Carris pursed his lips before letting out a short snort. "Then you should hurry and buy one too so we’ll stop oppressing you. Especially those who have nothing better to do with their money than force gifts onto people who didn’t ask for them.""

Elara smiled faintly, fully aware of exactly who his words were targeted at.

But seriously? Buying a car...

She hadn’t even managed to replace the phone she’d been planning to change for months, let alone think about buying a car.

The two of them finally walked out of the room together and returned downstairs. After taking the dress off, Elara slowly released a breath she had not even realized she was holding in.

She was kinda terrified.

Wearing something like that for only a short while already felt exhausting enough. What would happen once she actually wear it to the premiere?