Contract Marriage with My Secret Partner in Crime-Chapter 23: Event

[176 Days Left to Live]

The night of the exclusive event had finally arrived. Zephany adjusted the cuffs of her simple yet elegant long-sleeved blouse, paired with a sleek pair of trousers. She had no intention of standing out, preferring to blend into the background.

The same could be said for Kendrick, who wore a dark suit without a tie, his attire refined yet deliberately understated. Neither of them wanted to attract unnecessary attention, both knowing they had come here for a reason far different from the rest of the attendees.

As they made their way toward the entrance, Zephany, distracted by her thoughts, accidentally bumped into someone. She immediately bowed her head, flustered.

"I'm really sorry," she said in a soft, apologetic tone, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kendrick, surprised but unbothered, glanced down at the young woman in front of him. She looked fragile—pale, tired, as if a single gust of wind could knock her over. His instincts kicked in, and he quickly steadied her by placing a light hand on her arm.

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"It's alright," he reassured her, his voice gentle. "You should be careful."

You look like you might faint any second.

He didn't say the second part.

Zephany straightened, nodding shyly before stepping aside to let him pass.

He usually avoided getting involved in other people's business, but something about her pale yet beautiful face framed by her fiery red hair made him pause. The way she tried to keep her composure reminded him of his sister, who often wore the same expression when pretending to be strong while silently crying for help.

Kendrick hesitated for a moment before speaking again. "Let me help you inside. The floor is marble and can be slippery if you're not careful."

Though slightly embarrassed, she nodded. His handsome face and the concern in his blue eyes made it difficult to refuse. She allowed him to walk beside her, feeling a small sense of reassurance. In an event like this, arriving alone would only draw more attention. Having someone by her side, even if only for the short walk inside, felt like a relief.

Inside, the venue was a sight to behold. The grand ballroom was adorned with crystal chandeliers that bathed the room in a golden glow. The walls were lined with paintings—some old, some new, all priceless. Zephany took a deep breath, already feeling overwhelmed by the social atmosphere.

Kendrick's gaze, however, was drawn to something else. His own paintings were among the displayed pieces. According to the invitation, he had been asked to contribute his work, though he still wasn't sure why. Seeing them here filled him with a strange unease, a nagging feeling that something was off.

At the center of the room stood a tall figure, his presence commanding yet enigmatic. Cassius Varen. He was an imposing man, radiating an air of quiet authority. His deep blue eyes observed the room with unsettling sharpness, as though he could see through the very fabric of every guest's carefully crafted persona.

Zephany immediately veered toward a quieter corner. She despised events like these, filled with forced smiles and pretentious conversations. The only reason she was here was because of the hidden message in her invitation.

As much as she wanted to disappear into the shadows, she couldn't ignore the occasional glances thrown her way. A part of her itched to glare at them, maybe even throw a sharp remark, but she knew better. She wasn't Eclipse right now—she was simply Zephany Draven.

Meanwhile, Kendrick barely had a moment to himself before he heard his name.

"Kendrick Montclair," Cassius called, his tone smooth yet firm.

Left with no choice, Kendrick turned toward the man. He managed a polite smile as he walked forward, shaking hands with Cassius.

"Finally, we meet," Cassius said, a pleased expression on his face. "I truly admire your paintings. There's something raw and untamed about your work. It's rare to see such authenticity these days."

Before Kendrick could reply, Cassius turned to a few well-known figures in the crowd.

"Everyone, allow me to introduce you to Kendrick Montclair. His art speaks volumes, doesn't it?" Cassius gestured toward the displayed paintings. "Each stroke carries emotion, each color choice telling a deeper story."

The surrounding guests murmured in agreement, offering their praises.

Kendrick, feeling slightly overwhelmed, gave a humble nod. "I just paint what I feel," he said simply, his voice calm and sincere. "If it resonates with others, then I'm honored."

Cassius let out a small chuckle. "Humility. Another rare trait in this industry."

Meanwhile, across the room, Zephany's eyes widened when she spotted someone familiar among the crowd.

"Pia?" she muttered, watching as her friend, Pia Clarkson, grinned and waved at her before making her way over.

"Zeph!" Pia greeted excitedly. "I can't believe you're here! I heard getting an invitation to this event was nearly impossible!" She paused, then smirked. "Oh, wait. I forgot—you come from a wealthy family."

Zephany smiled awkwardly, not knowing how to respond.

Pia then leaned in, lowering her voice. "By the way, did you manage to get any information about Cassius? Why is he hosting this event?"

Zephany's expression darkened slightly. She had spent all of yesterday investigating Cassius Varen, but her efforts had yielded little. His public records were minimal—only what was necessary for his businesses under the Varen name. His background, his family, his past—everything was sealed.

Even when she tried hacking into deeper databases, she hit a dead end. It was as if someone had deliberately erased his existence beyond what the world was allowed to see.

Who was he? And more importantly—how did he know her codename, Eclipse?

As she mulled over these thoughts, Pia whispered again, "Cassius never makes public appearances. It was always his assistant, Sophia Sparkle, who handled everything. But then she disappeared along with Cassius. And now, suddenly, they're back, announcing this event? If we can get an article on this—maybe even a photo of Cassius himself—it'll be a massive scoop! That alone could guarantee you keep your job."

Zephany felt a pang of guilt. Pia was genuinely excited for her, hoping this would help her secure her job. Pia truly cared about her.

"Thanks, Pia," she said softly, her voice nearly trembling. She was about to hug her friend when—

"Ms. Draven," a cool voice interrupted.

Zephany turned to find a woman standing before her. She recognized her immediately—Sophia Sparkle, Cassius Varen's assistant.

"My boss wishes to speak with you," Sophia said. "Please, follow me."

Zephany swallowed her surprise, keeping her composure. "Of course," she replied, nodding.

As she followed Sophia, her gaze flickered across the room. Not far from them, she spotted Cassius leading the man she had bumped into earlier—Kendrick Montclair—toward a private room.

Moments later, Zephany found herself in the same room, facing both Cassius and Kendrick.

"Please, take a seat," Cassius said, gesturing to the chair beside Kendrick.

Zephany hesitated briefly before complying.

"I have a proposal for both of you," Cassius continued, handing each of them a document.

Their eyes widened as they read the title:

Marriage Contract.

Silence filled the room as Zephany and Kendrick exchanged bewildered glances.

What the hell was this?

And what exactly did Cassius Varen want from them?