Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
Noelle
Morning came with Kholod at the bedroom door, carrying a massive dress box.
"Get dressed. There's a gala tonight."
I set down my book, eyeing the box with its high-end designer logo suspiciously. "What's the occasion?"
"Isabella's charity auction." He stepped inside, placing the box on the bed. "Seven tonight. Philadelphia Museum of Art."
Isabella's auction? I froze. Wasn't this the same event he'd said I wasn't "suitable" for?
"Didn't you say I wasn't suitable for that kind of thing?" I stared at him, trying to read something in his expression.
Kholod paused, his Adam's apple bobbing slightly. "I changed my mind." He turned away, pretending to study the wall art, his voice sounding awkward. "She's your friend, after all."
"So you changed your mind for me?"
"Don't flatter yourself." He unbuttoned his cuffs and rolled up his sleeves, exposing strong forearms. "I just figured the lady of the Morozov house shouldn't miss public events. Don't want people thinking I'm hiding you."
The explanation sounded reasonable, but something felt off.
"What about Isabella?" I couldn't help asking. "You two now..."
"Isabella is just...Isabella." He finally faced me. "There won't be anything deeper between me and her. Happy?"
His tone was impatient, but his eyes flickered with nervousness, like he was waiting for my reaction.
"Just curious."
"Curious?" He moved closer, bracing his hands on either side of me. "Or jealous?"
My cheeks burned. "Kholod Morozov, don't be so full of yourself!"
"No?" That wicked smile tugged at his lips. "Then why are you blushing?"
"I'm just... hot!"
"Hot?" He leaned closer, breath warming my face. "Noelle, your ears turn red when you lie."
"I'm not lying!"
His finger touched my earlobe gently. "Look. Burning up."
I shoved him away, jumping to my feet, glaring at him fiercely. "Did you come here just to mess with me?"
"No." He straightened his shirt. "I brought you a dress and wanted to make sure you'll dress properly."
"Of course I will. I won't embarrass the Morozovs."
"Good." He headed for the door, turning back at the threshold. "Styling team arrives at five. Don't keep me waiting too long."
"Fine."
After the door closed, I sat back on the bed, staring at the dress box. My heart was racing and erratic. Today's Kholod was too unusual—actually changing his mind for me, testing my reactions...
No, who cares if he's acting strange!
I covered my face with my hands. Noelle, what the hell are you thinking?
At five sharp, the styling team arrived. They redid my makeup and curled my hair into soft waves, pinning it to one side to expose my neck and ear.
"Time for the dress, ma'am."
I stood as they lifted the gown from the box and couldn't help but gasp.
Deep crimson velvet flowed with rich luster under the lights. The plunging V-neck extended to my chest, sleeveless and figure-hugging, with a high slit that climbed nearly to my thigh.
This dress was far too sexy.
"This is really for tonight?" I hesitated.
"Yes, ma'am," Darya replied. "The boss chose it himself."
I bit my lip but finally let them help me into it.
The dress fit perfectly, clinging to every curve. The velvet was soft and smooth against my skin, but made me feel wrapped in some kind of dangerous temptation.
"The zipper's in back, ma'am. Let me help you."
"You can all leave."
Kholod's voice suddenly came from the doorway. I turned around in shock. He was leaning against the doorframe, those amber eyes fixed directly on me. More precisely, on my reflection in the mirror wearing the half-zipped dress.
"Yes, boss." Darya and the stylists quickly packed up and filed out, thoughtfully closing the door.
Only the two of us remained in the room.
"Turn around," he commanded.
"What?"
"Turn around." He walked in, voice low. "I'll zip you up."
My heart instantly accelerated.
"I can do it myself—"
"Noelle." He cut me off. "Turn around."
I bit my lip and obeyed.
Through the mirror, I could see him move behind me, his long fingers gripping the zipper pull.
"Lift your hair."
I swept my long hair to one side as instructed.
He began pulling slowly upward, the metal teeth catching one by one with soft whispers. His knuckles occasionally brushed against my bare spine. Every touch sent shivers through me.
"Could you go a bit faster..." My voice trembled involuntarily.
"Why rush?" He whispered in my ear, warm breath fanning my neck. "I'm enjoying this process."
"You..."
"Such smooth skin." His voice dropped even lower, carrying dangerous implications. "Makes me reluctant to let go."
The zipper finally reached the top, but his hands didn't leave. Instead, they slid along my shoulders toward my arms, settling at my waist. In the mirror, his gaze was dark and intense.
"I knew red would be perfect on you."
We looked incredibly intimate in the reflection, his tall frame nearly enveloping me. The image was heart-stopping.
"I still need to put on jewelry..." I said softly.
"No rush." His arms tightened, pulling me against him. "We have time."
"You're beautiful," he sighed near my ear. "So beautiful I want to hide you away where no one else can see."
His words made my heart pound like a drum.
"We still have to go to the gala..."
"The gala can wait."
Before I could finish speaking, his kiss descended, commanding and possessive, as if declaring that in this moment I belonged only to him.
After what felt like an eternity, he finally released me and pulled out a jewelry box from his pocket. Inside was a set of ruby jewelry—necklace, earrings, bracelet—each stone full and rich, gleaming like blood under the lights.
"Turn around."
I turned, and he fastened the necklace around my neck. The cool gems touched my skin as his fingertips lightly brushed my nape.
"Perfect." He stepped back to admire me. "You'll be the center of attention tonight."
"I don't want to be too conspicuous."
"But I do." His thumb gently traced my jaw. "Let's go."
He offered his arm, and we walked out together.
The convoy arrived at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the neoclassical building blazing with lights in the night.
Kholod helped me from the car, and once I was steady, he wrapped an arm around my waist, protecting me at his side as we entered the museum's grand hall together.
"Kholod!"
Isabella's voice rang out.
She wore pure white tonight with a silver wrap, her makeup exquisite and her smile sweet. She walked straight toward Kholod with a radiant smile, arms slightly open in preparation for an embrace. But Kholod sidestepped, avoiding her gesture. Her movement froze mid-air, smile stiffening.
"Isabella. Congratulations, tonight's event is very well organized." Kholod's tone was polite but distant, completely different from his relaxed manner during their manor garden stroll.
"Thank you." Isabella awkwardly lowered her arms. "It's also thanks to your support. Without the Polaris Tear, tonight wouldn't have gotten so much attention..."
"It was nothing." Kholod cut her off.
His arm around my waist tightened slightly, as if making a statement. Isabella bit her lip, her gaze shifting from Kholod's face to mine.
"Noelle, I thought you wouldn't come." She hugged me gently.
"You're tonight's star. Go for it."
"I will." She nodded. "I won't keep you two any longer—I need to greet other guests."
She turned and hurried away, her departure seeming rather hasty. I looked up at Kholod, puzzled—they'd clearly gotten along well before, so why the sudden coldness?
"What are you looking at?" He looked down, meeting my scrutinizing gaze.
"Nothing. Just think you're treating Isabella differently than before."
"Am I?" he asked back, tone casual.
"Before you seemed..."
"It's in the past." He interrupted me, guiding me deeper into the hall with his arm around my waist. "Focus on the present. Come on, the auction's about to start."
The auction was held in the museum's main hall. Kholod and I sat in the front row VIP section, surrounded by Philadelphia's most powerful faces.
Isabella took the stage as host. She performed admirably, her voice melodious, making each auction item sound captivating. Guests bid frequently, the atmosphere lively.
"Next is tonight's featured item—the Polaris Tear diamond necklace, generously donated by Mr. Morozov. All proceeds will go toward children's arts education..."
Under the spotlights, the necklace was dazzling. Bidding calls rose and fell, prices climbing rapidly. I glanced at Kholod—he sat expressionless, fingers tapping the armrest lightly, as if completely disconnected from it all.
"Sold!"
The gavel fell to thunderous applause. Isabella's eyes glistened with tears as she bowed deeply. "Thank you all for your generosity! Special thanks to Mr. Morozov!"
She looked toward us, eyes full of gratitude. Kholod merely applauded politely, expression calm.
After the auction came the cocktail reception, with elegant music and servers weaving through the crowd. Kholod went to speak with political figures while I stood alone in the lounge area with champagne.
"Noelle."
Isabella suddenly appeared, grabbing my hand. I nearly spilled my drink.
"What's wrong?"
"I need to tell you something." Her voice was somewhat choked, eyes already rimmed with red.
"You're crying? What happened?"
"Nothing..." She wiped her eyes with the back of her hand. "I just... Noelle, I'm sorry..."
"Why apologize? The auction was a great success."
"Not for that." She took a deep breath, tears falling. "For what happened at the last party... I never expected Kholod to invite me to dance. I was so shocked, didn't know how to refuse... I never meant to steal your spotlight, much less replace you."
"Isabella..."
"Now everyone outside is saying I'm his mistress, that I want to climb up the social ladder... But I really don't! Noelle, I just wanted to help you, never thought it would turn out like this..."