Hensley , did you forget to bring me inside ? Im your companion for the night . Jessica , halted at the door , played the part of the wronged woman . Charles raised an eyebrow , his gaze flicking between her and the door . Companion ? Let her pass , Doms voice cut through the silence , sharp and commanding . His eyes swept over Jessica , calculating , as if trying to decide if she was an anomaly or an exception . He had never seen Charles with a woman like her before . Was she someone important , or just passing through ? Jessica stepped forward , her heart thundering in her chest . She walked with poise , every step deliberate . She forced a smile , though the tension coiled in her stomach . Hensley Sr. , its an honor , she said , her voice steady , but the weight of his gaze made her skin prickle . She turned her head and met Charless eyes cold , unreadable . Her breath caught in her throat , and she quickly looked away , unsure if she could bear the intensity of his stare . Is he upset ? Charles , Dom asked , his voice low with suspicion , is this your … companion ? Charles did not respond immediately . His gaze lingered on Jessica , measuring , weighing . The air thickened between them , suffocating her , and the silence stretched longer than she could bear . Her pulse quickened . The pressure of his eyes pressed into her , making her feel small , exposed . What if he denies it ? The thought knotted her stomach . She considered rushing forward , storming into the hotel , but the image of being thrown out like an intruder stopped her . No , that would be foolish . She had to stay close to Charles . She had to keep her place by his side . With a surge of courage she didnt quite feel , she slipped her arm through his , her smile wide , almost too bright . Im Jessica Scott . Hensley asked me to be his companion for the evening . Her words tumbled out before she could fully grasp the daringness of speaking so openly to Dom . She looked up , meeting Charless eyes once more . The coldness in his gaze made her feel vulnerable , exposed in a manner she hadnt expected . She wasnt sure what would happen next . If he rejected her , it would be more than embarrassing . It would feel like a betrayal . At that moment , Hugh strode into view . He approached them with a wide grin , but the smile faltered as his eyes fell on Jessica , his gaze shifting back and forth between Charles and her . Ah , Grandpa , you made it . And he turned his gaze to Charles , Inevitably , he saw the woman standing with him , Jessica . His pupils dilated in surprise . Jessica ? He looked at her hand resting on Charless arm . A sickening jolt ran through him . How did she get so close to Uncle Charles ? Uncle Charles , he said , his voice icy , what is she doing here ? Dom , still puzzled , turned toward his grandson , What ? Do you know her ? Shes Charles companion for the night . His companion ? Hughs voice cracked with disbelief , cutting through the air like a blade . How could Uncle Charles choose her ? His mind simmered with anger . He was certain that Jessica , that brazen woman , had used some manipulative trick to capture his uncles attention . Hugh , Jessicas smile was sharp , and her voice , sweet but laced with venom , slid out like a well placed dagger . I heard youre celebrating your wedding anniversary tonight . I wanted to congratulate you . Her eyes , however , glittered with a colder edge .. The words of Dr. Chortleheim rang in her mind . It was Hugh who ordered the halt to her fathers treatment . She tightened her grip on Charless arm , her anger simmering beneath her composed exterior . Charles felt the subtle shift in her . Her skin had gone taut with fury , a brief flash of it crossing her face . Suspicion stirred inside him . Was it just resentment for his nephew , or something more ? Hah … Hugh bit off the words , his jaw clenched tight . Thanks for the congratulations . Shall we go inside ? Jessicas voice was calm now , as though nothing had happened . She leaned into Charles slightly , meeting Hughs gaze with a steady , unwavering stare . Hughs fists tightened . Every instinct told -not with his grandfather watch him to lash out , but he knew this wasnt the place for it He shoved the rage down deep and turned to Dom . Grandpa , let me escort you inside . As they walked through the doors , Jessica breathed a quiet sigh of relief . Dom hadnt seemed to question her presence , at least not yet . But Charles his eyes never left her kept her on edge . She forced a strained smile . Hensley , Chapter 11 Charles Companion Pearis Charless eyes narrowed , his voice dropping to a dark , silken murmur , What are you up to , hmm ? With no way out now , Jessicas heart fluttered . She took a steadying breath , meeting his gaze directly . Im your nephews ex girlfriend . Im here just to wish him well . His stare was sharp , slicing through her , making her feel exposed and fragile . He doesnt believe me , she thought . She braced herself , expecting the next words to be an order to throw her out . Instead , Charless fingers slid beneath her chin , tilting her face toward his . His gaze locked with hers deep , probing , as though trying to uncover every secret shed ever hidden . Is that all ? he asked , his lips curling into a smile that held both intrigue and danger . For a moment , Jessica felt as though he might see straight through her , read her thoughts , unravel her soul . But she fought the feeling , forcing a smile of her own . Its that simple . Charles held her gaze for several long moments , his expression unreadable . Finally , he spoke , his voice slow , deliberate . Then I suppose youll be my companion for the evening . Of course , she answered , her voice steady , though her pulse quickened , betraying her calm exterior . A flicker of amusement sparked in Charless eyes . He knew she was lying , but his curiosity got the better of him . What was she really after ? He allowed her to keep her hold on his arm , guiding her further into the hotel . Jessica let out a breath she hadnt realized shed been holding . At least now , she was inside . Whatever Charles motives , it was better than being caught outside in the cold . The ballroom was a vision of luxury . Gold and crystal gleamed , the air thick with perfume and . the hum of conversation . Guests , adorned in their finest attire , swirled around like a sea of jewels , celebrating in excess . Dom , slow down Jane approached Dom with a warm , affectionate smile . She turned to her son . Hugh , watch over Rhea . Shes pregnant , and she needs someone close . Rhea walked over , her high fashion gown billowing with elegance , radiating an aura of refinement . As her gaze flicked to Charles , her smile faltered , her steps slowing as her eyes narrowed . But the real shock hit when she saw the woman at his side . Jessica ?! Her smile froze , replaced by a look of stunned disbelief .