Chapter 24

ELORA'S POV The flashes of cameras flared as Lucas and I stepped out of the car, the warm light of the event wrapped around us instantly. People turned, stared—of course they did. Lucas Banner—the quiet and powerful force behind one of the fastest growing Academy in Manhattan. He wasn't just someone who just attended any event, and if he did…he's impossible to ignore. His palm brushed the small of my back gently as we approached the entrance. I didn't miss the way head titled, eyes scanned over my dress, over me. It should have felt empowering, but it didn't. Something felt off. The host of the event—a nervous looking man in a burgundy tuxedo—was already halfway to us, his arms outstretched in greeting when a murmur rose behind him. Then he hesitated, his eyes darted to the side as his face shifted from excitement to disbelief. “What now?” I asked softly, glancing toward Lucas. He narrowed his eyes toward the entrance. The host turned fully, forgetting us in an instant. And then I hear