The divorced military queen awakens novel

Chapter 320 Ballroom Glimmers Night had already folded itself over Doria when the three stepped into the grand ballroom , its chandeliers humming with crystal fire . Quinn scanned the sea of faces , hunting for Leander . Harlan and Julius flanked her like impeccably dressed sentries , every polished line of their suits broadcasting silent authority . Their presence acted like a spark in dry grass . Conversations faltered , necks craned , curiosity surged .

Women in silk gowns drifted over , smiles lacquered with intent , each hoping to secure even a fleeting exchange . Polite indifference did little good . The numbers only grew . Local power brokers soon joined the crush - steel - haired magnates , fresh - minted heirs , the sort who measured value in favors traded . Many recognized Julius ; Whitethorn Group's factories and docks dotted Doria's coast , after all .

To Quinn's surprise , several greeted Harlan as well , lauding Weston's law firm and the cross - border verdicts he had wrestled from reluctant courts . All that sudden attention formed an accidental barricade , slowing Quinn's search to a crawl . Quinn drew a tight breath . " Let's split up - we'll cover more ground ." " Hold on - are you sure ? " Harlan asked , worry knitting his brow . Quinn shook her head . " No more caution , " she said , taking a step away .

Julius shot out a hand and caught her wrist , movement swift as a hawk . " I'll find you in a minute , " he murmured , voice meant for her alone . " All right , " she answered , the faintest smile flickering before she slipped free and vanished into the crowd . A tycoon leaned toward Julius . " It's rare , Mr. Whitethorn , to see you escorting a lady . Forgive the curiosity -who is she to you ? " " She's my girlfriend , " Julius said without a hint of hesitation .

Harlan's jaw tightened , disapproval flashing before he masked it beneath a neutral facade . The surrounding moguls exchanged startled glances . " Seems the young lady is truly fortunate , " one whispered , half - awed , half - envious . Julius kept his gaze fixed on Quinn's retreating silhouette . " No - if anyone's fortunate , it's me , " he said softly . He had once seized that radiant beam of light and convinced it to linger at his side .

Now , terrified of losing it , he fought with every breath to keep that brilliance from slipping back into darkness . Harlan pulled Julius into a shadowed alcove , voice low and edged . " She ended things with you . Stop parading her as your girlfriend . " " We're only apart for a while , " Julius replied , unwavering . " She'll come back to me . " 172 Chapter 320 Ballroom Glimmers Harlan's stare turned ice - cold .

" If you try to force her , I don't care if the Whitethorn family rule ; jexburgii I'll tear your dynasty apart . I keep my promises . " Julius narrowed his eyes . " You really believe you can do that ? " "Try me ." Harlan shot back , challenge blazing . Tension crackled between them - one man wrapped in frost , the other smoldering with anger , the ballroom's glitter now a brittle backdrop to their silent duel .

Quinn wove through the glittering rows of crystal - laden tables , her heels clicking a restless tattoo against the marble floor as her eyes swept every corner of the ballroom , hunting for a face that haunted her waking hours . Would Leander Fane really come tonight , just as Julius had promised ? I have scoured the room , yet he remains a ghost . If I miss him now , where else can I possibly look ?

He isn't even a local - he's from Celosia - and for all I know , he could fly home tomorrow and vanish forever. Just then , her stride broke , a sudden jolt as though the air itself had wrapped invisible hands around her ankles . In that heartbeat , a familiar silhouette flooded her vision - unbidden , impossible , unbearably near . Rowan ? Leander ? Or have I been chasing a single man wearing two names ?

Before her mind could catch up , her body lunged forward , cutting across the lacquered floor in a sprint born of pure instinct . Not again - not this time ! I can't let Rowan slip through my fingers once more . If I fail to hold on now , he'll dissolve into the crowd , and I may never see him again . When awareness finally slammed back , Quinn found her fingers locked around the man's wrist while he stared down at her , wide - eyed , as though the music had cut mid - note . 2/2