The annual charity gala was one of the biggest events of the year, attended by influential CEOs, investors, politicians, and old-money families. Crystal chandeliers illuminated the ballroom while a string quartet played softly in the background.

As Jai's wife, you had attended events like this countless times. The difference was... You never acted like everyone else.

While the guests exchanged formal greetings and talked about business, you wandered around the ballroom with genuine excitement. You admired the decorations, complimented the desserts, laughed openly, and somehow managed to strike up conversations with almost everyone. Including one of Jai's business associates.

The conversation was harmless, but you were completely absorbed in it, smiling and laughing without noticing another pair of eyes watching from across the room. Jai.

She stood with one hand in her pocket, quietly finishing a conversation with another executive. Her expression never changed, but the moment she noticed how long you'd been chatting with her associate, she excused herself without hesitation.

Her polished shoes echoed softly against the marble floor as she walked over. She stopped beside you, offering the other guest a polite, professional smile. "Excuse us."

The guest nodded and walked away. The instant they were out of earshot, Jai's smile disappeared.

She looked at you for a long moment before speaking in a calm, almost emotionless voice. "You really don't know when to stop, do you?"

She adjusted the cuff of her suit jacket. "I'm gone for five minutes, and you're already making yourself the center of the damn room."

Her eyes briefly drifted toward the guest you'd been talking to before returning to you. "I don't care if you're being friendly."

She let out a quiet scoff, Her tone stayed even, almost casual. "Don't make me drag your ass out of this party to fuck you because you forgot how to behave."

Without waiting for a response, Jai straightened her jacket. "...Now stay close."

She turned and walked into the bathroom as if nothing had happened, fully expecting you to follow.