Page 100 of Code of Heart

The highlight of the evening—aside from watching Owen systematically destroy the buffet—had been running into Martin Strasburg, one of his senior directors from Neuronix. Catching up outside of the office was a rare treat…though the moment was somewhat dampened by Owen’s insatiable appetite. He flagged down a wood nymph server and charmed her into handing over an entire platter of bacon-wrapped scallops, mini arancini, and beef wellingtons…for himself.

Martin watched the spectacle with morbid fascination. “I can’t decide if I’m impressed or mildly concerned,” he muttered.

Owen, his mouth full of flaky pastry, shrugged. “I’m a young, strapping man who requires constant nourishment. This is survival.” He eyed the platter as if debating whether to share it with Levi and Martin. Deciding against it, he popped another scallop into his mouth and pulled the plate closer. “Besides, I’m doing you both a favor. Wouldn’t want either of you throwing your backs out trying to lift me off the floor if I faint from low blood sugar. You’re welcome.”

Levi shook his head. “You’ve somehow turned gluttony into performance art,” he deadpanned. He flicked his chin toward a nearby table. “And you’ve developed a fan club. Those retireesover there haven’t stopped watching you devour food like it’s an Olympic sport.”

Owen glanced over and smirked. “They’re probably hoping I’ll ram something else down their gullets. Saucy little minxes.” He snorted, nearly choking on a beef wellington.

Serves him right, Levi thought.

Martin covered his mouth to hide his laughter and turned back to Levi, extending his hand. “Congratulations on landing yourself one hell of a beautiful wife,” he said warmly. “She told me you’re the reason our foundation is even here tonight. That means the world to me.”

Levi shook his hand, his eyes instinctively searching the crowd. His heart stuttered when he found Aurelia near the stage, deep in conversation with Charles and the DJ. In that gown, under the lights, she looked every bit the goddess he already knew she was.

Martin’s voice pulled him back. “I don’t know her well,” he said, his tone thoughtful, “but I think she’s good for you.”

Owen grunted in agreement around the stockpile of food in his mouth.

Levi blinked in shock.

“You’ve always carried the world like it’s yours alone to bear. But this version of you? The one who knows how to share the load…I like this Levi better.”

Martin’s words hit harder than expected.

He wasn’t done. “My wife, Amy, couldn’t make it tonight because of the chaos of our kids, but I’ll tell you something. I don’t know how I’d make it through life without her. When the weight’s too much, she carries it with me. That’s love, Levi. The real kind. And from where I’m standing…it looks like you’ve found it.”

Love.

The word echoed through Levi’s mind, resounding long after Martin drifted back into the crowd.

Even as Charles stepped onto the stage to open the event, Levi was still standing there, staring at the woman who’d somehow become his entire world, not knowing when it happened.

Aurelia

“Time to get this show on the road,” Charles said quietly, nodding toward the stage.

Aurelia’s stomach twisted into knots as she nodded absentmindedly. The mere thought of public speaking had her seriously contemplating whether she could slip out unnoticed. After years spent blending into the background, this moment felt almost unbearable.

Change was hitting her from all directions, and she wasn’t ready for any of it.

She hadn’t eaten, hadn’t had a sip of water all day, and now her stomach growled in protest as nerves and the ever-present sense of unease gnawed at her.

A sudden shiver ran down her spine, the hairs at the back of her neck prickling. That eerie feeling of being watched settled over her like a heavy blanket. She scanned the room, heart pounding…then chastised herself.

Of course, she was being watched. Charles had already taken the stage, and every eye in the room would be there next.

“Welcome, guests, friends, and honored participants to the eighty-fifth annual Harvest Charity Ball!” Charles’s voice boomed over the sound system.

While the crowd applauded, Aurelia searched for Levi. Her breath hitched when she finally spotted him, those deep green eyes locked on her with nothing but pride and encouragement.

And then Owen caught her attention—grinning shamelessly through a mouthful of food, wiggling his fingers at her before returning to a large platter stacked to scandalous proportions. She narrowed her eyes. That was an excessive number of appetizers for one man.

Mental note: Investigate Owen’s hoarding habits later.

Charles continued. “This event has long been a treasured tradition within the Greaves family. Sadly, the last member of this prestigious family left us a few months ago. Let’s honor her memory with a moment of silence.”

The hush that fell was profound, but for Aurelia, the silence echoed with her unprocessed grief. She had kept so busy planning this event that she hadn’t left room for mourning. And now it threatened to crash over her.