The music still echoed in Natasha's ears as she stepped onto the hotel's grand balcony, seeking a moment of solitude. The air outside was crisp, carrying the scent of the ocean that stretched beyond the city skyline. She leaned against the cold railing, her mind racing with thoughts of the evening. Damian's attention, Tiffany's venom, and Jayden's unreadable expression—it was all too much to process at once.
"Enjoying the view?" a familiar voice murmured behind her.
She turned to find Jayden standing there, hands tucked into his pockets, his gaze shadowed by the city lights.
"It's… overwhelming," she admitted, watching him carefully.
"That's how their world works," he said, stepping beside her. "It's all glitter and illusions. Nothing is ever as it seems."
Natasha frowned, sensing something deeper in his words. "Are you warning me?"
Jayden didn't answer immediately. Instead, he exhaled slowly, his breath visible in the cool night air. "Just be careful who you trust. Damian doesn't give attention without expecting something in return."
A strange unease settled in her stomach. "And you? Why do you care?"
Jayden's lips curled into a smirk, but his eyes remained serious. "Maybe I just don't like seeing people get played."
Before Natasha could respond, a sudden burst of laughter erupted from the ballroom, followed by the unmistakable sound of glasses shattering. She turned sharply to see Tiffany storming across the floor, red-faced with fury, while Damian stood smirking at the center of attention. Something had happened, and the entire party was soaking in the drama.
Emily appeared at Natasha's side, grabbing her wrist. "We need to go. Now."
"What? Why?" Natasha asked, confused.
"Because you just became part of a game you don't understand," Emily whispered urgently. "And once you're in, there's no easy way out."
As Natasha allowed herself to be pulled away, her mind buzzed with questions. What had she just stepped into? And more importantly—was there truly no way back?