Tristan Davis didn’t care for Cynthia Rivera at the moment—but who could say what the future would bring?
Emily Blair stood up and brushed off her skirt. “Alright, enough gossip. The show’s about to start. Let’s go have a look.”
The carnival was in full swing, the convention hall bustling with excitement. Cosplayers filled every corner, some posing for photos, others mingling with fans. Emily found herself wading through a sea of colorful costumes, and somewhere along the way, Elizabeth Wilson had vanished into the crowd, blending in with the cosplayers as if she were just another enthusiastic attendee. One moment she was with them, and the next, she was gone—probably off collecting selfies with every character she could find.
Halfway through the hall, Emily’s phone began to ring. She ducked into a quieter corner as she fished it out.
Tristan Davis was calling.
She answered, a teasing lilt in her voice. “Well, well, the busy Mr. Davis actually found time to call me?”
Tristan chuckled. “I happened to be passing by the carnival. If you’re free, maybe I’ll come in and take a look around. I’m right outside.”
She arched a brow. “Which entrance? I’ll come get you.”
“No need,” Tristan replied, a smile in his voice. “Just turn around.”
Emily’s heart skipped a beat. She spun around, scanning the crowd.
There he was, tall and striking among the throng, his posture straight and sure, a gentle smile on his lips as he waved his phone in her direction.
She ended the call, watching as Tristan walked toward her.
A smirk played at her lips. “Mr. Davis, what an honor. Sorry I didn’t roll out the red carpet.”
He grinned. “Ms. Blair, you’re the busy one here. I wouldn’t dare trouble you.”
She laughed. “When are you leaving? Want me to give you the grand tour?”
He placed a hand lightly on her shoulder, leaning down so his eyes met hers—those eyes always seemed to sparkle. “Plenty of time. No rush.”
Emily tossed her chin in mock defiance. “Alright then. Let’s go.”
Just as they were about to move, a woman’s voice chimed in, polite and graceful. “Mr. Davis, shall I wait for you here?”
Emily hadn’t noticed the woman beside Tristan until now—a stunner in a smart business suit, her figure elegant and poised, legs long and slender. She exuded a quiet confidence.
It was the first time Emily had seen her. “And you are…?”
“Ms. Vargas, my assistant,” Tristan explained simply. “Ms. Vargas, this is Ms. Blair from Vertex International.”
Emily recalled the woman who’d made Tristan’s hangover remedy over the phone. So, this was her.
She offered a courteous smile. “Ms. Vargas.”
Hilaria Vargas returned the gesture with a nod, her gaze lingering on Tristan’s hand resting on Emily’s shoulder. Something flickered in her eyes as she looked at him. “Mr. Davis, should I come along or…?”
Emily turned to Tristan. “Let her join us. It’s not a problem.”
Without hesitation, Tristan agreed. “Alright, come on then.”
The smile on Hilaria’s lips faltered for half a second. She glanced from Emily to Tristan. “Of course, Mr. Davis.”
The hall was spacious, but it didn’t take long to see everything.
Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself and glanced at the people milling nearby. Gathering her courage, she called out, “Mr. Davis!” and darted forward, making sure to bump into a passing stranger’s shoulder.
She stumbled, letting out a soft cry as she pitched toward Tristan.
The startled stranger reached out to help, but Tristan was quicker. In a blur, his hand wrapped around Hilaria’s waist, pulling her upright.
Her cheeks flushed as she realized just how close they were—his hand firm at her side. For a moment, she let herself lean into him, hoping he’d hold her just a little longer.
But Tristan quickly let go, moving his hand to her shoulder and giving a gentle, steadying push, keeping her at arm’s length.
His tone was cool. “Stand up straight.”
She had no choice but to obey, though she wished she could stay in his arms a moment longer.
It wasn’t perfect, but it was the closest they’d ever been. She ought to be satisfied.
She managed a polite, slightly bashful smile. “Thank you, Mr. Davis.”
He withdrew his hand, giving a curt nod.
The stranger came over, apologetic. “I’m so sorry, I don’t know what happened—I didn’t mean to bump into you. Are you alright?”
Hilaria smiled demurely. “I’m fine, thank you.”
The stranger glanced at Tristan, a spark of admiration in his eye. “Sorry, man—I didn’t mean to knock into your girlfriend. Hope there’s no hard feelings.”
Hilaria felt her heart skip. Girlfriend. Those words echoed in her mind, sending a rush of hope and nervous excitement through her as she glanced up at Tristan Davis.

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