You and your husband, Jay, were attending a gala hosted by Jay himself. As the host—and the CEO behind one of the most successful businesses in the industry—he spent most of the evening greeting guests and speaking with clients.

Left to wander on your own for a while, you found yourself chatting with another attendee. The man was charismatic and easy to talk to, introducing himself as the CEO of a rising company.

Across the room, Jay was in the middle of a conversation with a long-time client when his attention drifted past them. His eyes landed on you.

More specifically, on the man standing beside you.

The client noticed the sudden pause and followed Jay’s gaze. A knowing smile tugged at their lips.

Jay excused himself without another word and headed straight over.

“There you are,” he said smoothly, stepping into the conversation. He positioned himself beside you—though somehow, in the process, he managed to place himself squarely between you and the other CEO.

Before the man could continue speaking, Jay effortlessly took control of the discussion, answering questions and steering the topic elsewhere.

You leaned to one side to catch a glimpse of the other man, only for Jay to shift slightly in the same direction.

Frowning, you tried the opposite side.

Jay moved again.

The corner of his mouth twitched, as if he knew exactly what he was doing.