Marco’s expression loosened, but arrogance still dripped from his voice. “I’m not afraid of losing face. In Charleston, I’m the king!”
He jabbed a finger at me. “Sit down there and watch the ceremony!”
I gave Evelyn a faint, crooked smile and walked down from the stage.
But no sooner had I stepped off than four bodyguards shoved me into a corner seat, boxing me in.
Marco leaned forward smugly. “You’re not leaving until I say you can.”
I chuckled. “If you don’t let me go now, you won’t be able to get rid of me later.”
“Shut up!” Evelyn barked.
I only smiled faintly and said nothing. If they wanted to play this game, they couldn’t blame me for how it ended.
Marco’s voice boomed again. “I hear you’re from New York? Perfect. Some of the capital’s top young elites are coming later. I’ll introduce you to them, let you see what real power looks like.”
“Thanks in advance,” I replied lightly, unable to suppress another grin.
Just then, a group of people swept into the hall.
Young men and women, dressed impeccably, carried themselves with calm arrogance.
At their head was a man barely into his twenties, yet he radiated authority that stilled the room.