Contract Marriage With Alpha Snow novel Chapter 264

Chapter 264: Not Styles

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Chapter 264

~Zara’s POV~

Sterling’s gaze flicked to me briefly before returning to Snow. "Simply to extend a warm welcome and express my admiration for your... lovely wife. The Eastern Colonies have heard much about her."

Snow’s hand subtly tightened on my waist, a silent signal that didn’t go unnoticed by Sterling, whose smile only grew sharper.

"Your reputation precedes you," Sterling continued, swirling his champagne lazily. "I’ve no doubt tonight’s gathering will be... memorable."

Something about his words made goosebumps appear on my skin and I shuddered. Snow’s expression remained unreadable, but I could feel the tension radiating off him.

"Let’s hope so," Snow replied in a clipped tone.

Sterling inclined his head again before stepping back into the crowd, his parting words lingering like smoke. "Enjoy your evening, Lord Snow. Lady Zara."

As he disappeared, I exhaled a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.

"Who was that?" I asked softly, glancing up at Snow.

"Trouble," he muttered, his jaw tight.

Zade stepped closer, his gaze following Sterling’s retreating figure. "Want me to keep an eye on him?"

Snow nodded curtly. "Discreetly."

I bit my lip, a sinking feeling settling in my chest. The night had only just begun, but it was clear that beneath the glittering façade of the party, there was a storm brewing.

The rest of the party unfolded in a blur of faces, handshakes, and polite smiles. The nobles, with their flowery words and false sincerity, came one after another, their attention fixed on me more than I would have liked.

"Lady Zara, you’re even more beautiful than the rumors suggest," one man drawled, bowing low.

"Such grace and charm," another woman chimed in, her eyes gleaming with calculated intent.

I nodded and smiled where it was expected, but exhaustion tugged at the edges of my composure.

Meanwhile, Snow remained at my side for most of the evening, keeping me safe.

Ever the gracious host, Kaid gracefully navigated through the crowd like a master conductor, orchestrating the night with ease.

Occasionally, his gaze would find mine, and he would give a small, reassuring smile, as if to reassure me that he had this, not that I cared.

But despite the grandeur, my thoughts kept straying back to Sterling. His sharp smile and veiled words lingered in my mind like a shadow I couldn’t shake.

There was something that didn’t click well with me.

"Almost over," Snow murmured beside me, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I nodded, grateful for the reassurance.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the party began to wind down. The crowd thinned as guests started making their farewells, their voices fading into the night.

When the last guest departed, I exhaled deeply, leaning briefly against Snow’s arm.

"Go rest," he said gently, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "I’ll handle anything else that comes up."

I gave him a grateful smile and headed toward my chambers, my feet aching and my mind buzzing.