My Billionaire Ex Beg For A Second Chance-Chapter 24: Night of Glances

The city shimmered under a canopy of stars as Katherine stepped out of the car. The building before her, bathed in golden light, buzzed with laughter, clinking glasses, and the low hum of music drifting from its grand ballroom. Felix stepped beside her, adjusting the cuff of his jacket as he offered his arm.

She accepted it without hesitation.

They walked side by side toward the entrance of the anniversary party—an elegant gathering hosted by one of Felix’s long-time business partners. Katherine’s gown shimmered with each step, a delicate, sapphire blue that hugged her figure like it had been designed with only her in mind. Her hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, and the subtle glow of her makeup gave her an ethereal air.

And Felix noticed. Very much so.

His eyes didn’t drift from her, his gaze heavy and persistent.

"What?" Katherine asked, finally cracking a nervous laugh. She raised her hand between them as if to block his view. "Why are you looking at me like that? Did I get a stain or something?"

Her free hand immediately dove into her clutch, fingers fumbling for her compact mirror. Her heart raced at the thought—surely Irene wouldn’t have let her leave the apartment with a smeared lip or smudged eyeshadow. Not after the thirty minutes she spent perfecting every brushstroke.

Felix gently caught her wrist before she could open the mirror.

"No," he said, his voice low and warm. "Nothing’s wrong. It’s just... you look stunning tonight, Kath. I mean it. I can’t believe I’m walking in with you."

The words caught her off guard. She blinked at him, wide-eyed, her lips parting slightly. Then, with a nervous laugh, she looked away, her cheeks blooming with color.

"Really?" she said, feigning casual disbelief. "Don’t you think that’s a little over the top? Maybe I should’ve worn something simpler."

Felix shook his head without hesitation. "No. It’s perfect. You’re perfect."

Katherine let out a soft, flustered laugh, her hand slipping back into her clutch as she straightened up. "Okay, now stop. If you keep talking like that, I might float straight to heaven."

Felix chuckled, his smile widening. "Just telling the truth."

"Well... you look dashing tonight, too," she said, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. "Sharp suit. Great hair. I think you’ve got a few ladies already eyeing you."

Katherine turned her gaze forward again. She could still feel Felix’s eyes on her, warm and steady. It made her heart tick a little faster, but she kept her expression composed—something she’d mastered over the years.

"Too bad I’m already occupied," Felix said, his tone teasing, but his eyes still locked on her.

Before Katherine could reply, the doors of the ballroom opened before them, ushering them into a world of soft lighting, champagne towers, and a sea of elegantly dressed guests. Crystal chandeliers hung above like frozen stars. A string quartet played a gentle melody in the corner, adding to the opulence of the night.

Katherine took a steadying breath as they walked further in. She was used to this scene—she’d attended dozens of these events in Felix’s place over the years. But tonight was different. Tonight, he was by her side.

"Is that you, Katherine?" a voice called out as a tall man approached them, champagne flute in hand. "Finally brought the real boss out of hiding, have you, Felix?"

Katherine laughed as she shook the man’s hand. "Hello, Gregory. Still charming as ever."

"I try. But really," Gregory said, glancing between them, "I almost didn’t recognize you. You look radiant tonight."

"Thank you," Katherine said with a polite nod.

Felix gave a tight smile, nodding in greeting as more guests approached.

As they made their way deeper into the crowd, more familiar faces came forward—CEOs, designers, investors—all exchanging warm words and air kisses. Almost everyone knew Katherine. Her grace and professionalism preceded her. Some were surprised to see Felix in attendance, but none dared ask why he’d decided to show up tonight of all nights.

"Wow," someone whispered to Katherine as they passed. "You look incredible. That dress... you’re not just the brains of the company tonight—you’re the heartbreaker too."

Katherine smiled graciously, exchanging a few words before the guest drifted away. She leaned closer to Felix. "I swear, if one more person assumes you’re my date, we’re going to have to grab the microphone and make an announcement that I’m definitely not."

Felix chuckled. "Would that be so bad?"

Katherine’s laughter trailed off, but then she noticed his eyes weren’t smiling anymore. He was looking at her with quiet seriousness now, an expression that didn’t match the festive energy around them.

She tilted her head slightly. "What?"

"I’m serious," Felix said softly. "Is it really that bad... if people think we’re dating?"

His words dropped like a stone in a calm pond. The air shifted. Katherine’s breath caught in her throat. Her smile faltered.

Katherine blinked.

The music carried on behind them—jazz, mellow and bright—but the sound seemed to muffle around her. Her own words echoed back, brittle in her ears.

She’d said the joke with a smirk, a laugh, a tone meant for teasing. But looking at Felix now, with that quiet in his eyes, it didn’t feel like a joke anymore.

But tonight, the joke had landed differently.

She looked at him, really looked this time. Felix didn’t just look good—he looked hurt. Not obviously. Not dramatically. Just... disappointed.

The moment stretched too long.

Then, Felix cleared his throat and glanced away. "I’ll go get us something to drink."

Before she could answer, he was already walking toward the bar.

Katherine stood still in the middle of the sparkling ballroom, her gaze following him through the crowd. Laughter and music swirled around her, but everything sounded distant now.

She should have said something. Anything.

But all she could do was watch him go.

Her fingers tightened slightly around her clutch. The warmth in her cheeks had faded, replaced by a quiet ache in her chest.