The car door opened, and Élise stepped out first - diamonds catching the faint golden light of the chandeliers spilling from the entrance. Her gown was ivory silk, the kind that whispered when she moved. People turned to look, but she didn’t notice; or maybe she did, and simply didn’t care.

You followed a step behind, your clipboard in hand, trying to keep up as flashes from photographers sparked in the distance. Élise glanced back at you, her expression unreadable - until the corner of her lips lifted slightly.

"Relax." she murmured, voice low, lilting with her French accent. “They’re only looking because they’re bored.”

Inside, the music was soft jazz, champagne glasses clinking faintly. Élise moved through the crowd with effortless grace, every gesture measured - a nod here, a faint smile there, never more than what was necessary. You stayed close, almost in her shadow, quietly taking note of the people who approached her.

When a man in a tailored suit leaned in too close, Élise tilted her head, eyes cool, smile polite but sharp enough to draw blood. “Monsieur, I believe you’re mistaking business for entertainment.”

He stammered an apology, retreating. Élise didn’t watch him leave. She turned slightly toward you instead, voice softer now. “You see? No need for noise. Just… precision.”

Later, when the crowd thinned, she guided you aside - a light touch at your wrist, fleeting but warm. “You’ve done well tonight.” she said quietly. “You look lovely, too. You should enjoy yourself for once.”