Author's note: this is from Seraphina's point of view

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Sebastian looked at me with approval. "Sometimes I forget that you are not like other girls."

I was not sure what he was getting at. "Like other girls?"

"Beautiful, desirable, but you stand out by thinking beyond enjoying your youth."

I made a face. "You made it sound like I'm a boring person, but I will take that as a compliment."

"You should. While talking about enjoyment, what's the situation between you and Drago Orsini?"

I blinked at Sebastian.

Why did he also bring up Duke? It seems that I underestimated the gossips of London.

Sebastian cocked an eyebrow at me. "Come on. I know that you made a joint donation with him. Since you avoid getting close to men to the point of not answering my or Henry's calls, and you must admit that we are difficult-to-resist, remarkable…"

I burst into giggles that prevented me from hearing Sebastian's next few words. I couldn't believe that he said that with a straight face. Talk about being confident.

"…your association with Drago Orsini stands out."

"Does everyone know about that donation?"

"Drago is one of the prominent bachelors in London. Many eyes are on him, and you are a gem that attracts attention, and the news spread fast. So, yes. Everyone knows."

Why did that sound like a warning? It probably was.

"What's the story between the two of you?", Sebastian continued probing. "Is there a story? I guess no, because he didn't come here with you. If I guy like that claimed you, he wouldn't allow you to come here without him. At least that's what I would do."

Duke claiming me... Somehow, that thought turned me on. God, how much I missed him!

I shook my head at Sebastian's constant flirting. No wonder he has so many conquests behind him.

"Drago and I are childhood friends."

Sebastian pursed his lips but didn't ask more. He probably had his ideas, and I didn't want to clarify anything.

Until we figure out this with Thompsons, the more ambiguous information about me and Duke is, the better it will be.

Who knows? Maybe Giantshade Industries backs off from working with (and taking over) Notte Pharmaceuticals, and Magda forgets about Duke... and we can leave all this mess to disappear on its own when the insignificant mortals die of old age. One can hope.

I didn't realize at what point I started thinking about Duke as immortal. Well, he might be human, but he will be immortal. Soon. Aldus told me not to rush, and to make sure my relationship with Duke is solid, but I am confident that nothing can get between us and I am eager to discuss with Aldus the best way to fix Duke's mortality.

Sure, one of the ways is to give him a potion that Mona is taking, but I don't want Duke to be my familiar. I want us to be equals.

The song barely ended, and John was next to us, looking my way expectantly.

When did he show up? I guess I spaced out while thinking about Duke. It happens.

I glanced at Sebastian apologetically. "It's time for me to switch dance partners, or people will start gossiping that we are dating."

Sebastian squeezed my hand and smiled mischievously. "I wouldn't mind such rumors. Can I get a kiss so we kick off those rumors on a good note? The two of us would start with a bang, baby." He winked playfully.

I rolled my eyes at Sebastian, and he kissed the back of my palm before stepping away with, "You know how to find me when you change your mind."

"He has a girlfriend.", John said dryly while putting his hand on my back, ready to dance.

I was aware that Sebastian turned ultra-sleazy only to irk John. Well, he succeeded.

I wouldn't allow myself to be caught in a spat between two Alpha males, but in this case, it worked in my favor because I wanted to push John's buttons also.

"Why would his relationship status matter? We are just friends.", I responded when John and I started moving.

John is a good dancer. I concluded that dance lessons are a must for these young heirs, and I wondered if Duke knows how to dance.

Well, Duke is not a typical heir, but he is fantastic in everything he does, and I wouldn't be surprised if he can set the dancefloor on fire with his moves.

"It doesn't matter if you are friends or not. It matters how people see you.", John said, pulling me out of my thoughts about Duke.

I realized that he was still talking about Sebastian. "Is Seb's girlfriend here? I hope she didn't get the wrong idea, Seb and I are only having fun. Maybe I should find her and clarify."

John shook his head. "Sebastian is here on business, and Julia is more of an accessory that would get in the way."

"Like your sister?"

John's eyes flashed, confirming that his impulse is to protect Magda. After a second, his charming smile was back on.

"Every woman has her purpose. Magda is not made for business, but she has her virtues."

"I'm sure she does."

I was impressed by John's response. I thought that he might defend Magda, or maybe confirm my words in order to suck up to me, but he found an answer in the middle that wouldn't take sides or offend anyone. He is a good businessman. Dangerous.

"You left me in order to dance with Sebastian.", Jonathan said sulkily.

I felt my cheek muscle twitching and I was not sure if it was from annoyance or from my urge to laugh. What is wrong with him?

"I never said that I will spend this evening with you exclusively.", I responded.

"If you did, would you stick to your word?"

"I choose my words carefully while considering their weight. Do you?"

John paused and it took him some time to respond, "Of course."

I eyed him suspiciously. "If it takes you so much just to say that you will not step over your words, I'm not sure if it's a wise decision to get into business with you."

"Did you check the proposal?"

I was glad that he stopped with ambiguous talk and focused on what's important, the proposal for collaboration between two companies. John bringing it up first was a small victory for me.

"Yes.", I responded.

"And?"

"I am thinking about it."

"I hope you realize how this cooperation will be beneficial for both of us."

Sure, sure... beneficial for you. I hoped that my poker face didn't crack.

"John, can we talk openly?"

His eyes flashed in approval. "Absolutely."

"What benefits are you looking for by working with Notte Pharmaceuticals? I'm confident that your people can figure out the problem on their own, and if they can't, you can hire additional employees. I don't see your company needing this collaboration in order to grow."

John smiled. "This is only the first one. Think of it as a sign of good faith. With every next collaboration, our relationship will improve, and you will see the benefits of working with Giantshade Industries."

What a load of crap. His words confirmed that they are after us.

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