Lara blinked, forcing a small smile.
"I'm fine," she assured him softly.
Her gaze drifted to the sleek smartwatch wrapped around her wrist. The glowing display confirmed what she already knew.
"There's still plenty of time before the auction begins," she said. "I'm just going to get some fresh air."
Ares studied her for a brief moment before giving a quiet nod. Without another word, he watched as she crossed the ballroom toward the tall glass doors that opened onto the hotel's side garden.
The moment Lara stepped outside, a cool evening breeze greeted her, carrying the delicate fragrance of blooming roses, jasmine and freshly trimmed hedges.
