Chapter 18: All Eyes on James

“I’m the one who signed the purchase contract with their bookstore.”

James Donovan’s voice was low and cold, devoid of warmth. But the moment he spoke, everyone in the room lowered their heads.

Faster than I could react, the live-chat exploded—

This time, the screen was filled with nothing but question marks.

[Did I miss an episode?]

James’s voice cut through the tension like a blade. Every head turned, and suddenly, the whole room was holding its breath.

Even through the mortification, I could hear the startled shuffling of shoes, the sharp intake of breath from the woman in white. James’s presence changed the air—like winter pressing in through an open door, demanding attention. For the first time, I felt the crowd’s eyes shift from me to him—and in that moment, I wasn’t sure if I should be relieved or afraid.