Sebastian's POV
"Absolutely not, Sebastian. This madness ends now!"
Maya's fingers tore away from mine before I could tighten my grip, and she was already weaving through the crowd before my brain caught up. I stood there like an idiot, watching that sapphire dress disappear between designer suits and cocktail dresses while curious gazes bounced between me and her rapidly retreating form.
My grandfather still held court on the makeshift stage, his triumphant expression melting into bewilderment. The microphone caught his voice, transforming what should have been a private question into a public summons.
"Sebastian? Maya?"
No time for hesitation. Decades of hostile boardroom takeovers had drilled crisis management into my DNA. I summoned my most charming smile and strode onto the platform, wrapping my arm around my grandfather's shoulders like we'd rehearsed this moment.
