Page 102 of Code of Heart

Owen stood beside him, mouth dipped down in concern.

“She didn’t look good toward the end there,” he murmured.

Levi nodded grimly. “She’s introverted and has been dreading this speech for weeks. The pressure must’ve gotten to her.” His voice relaxed. “But I’m still amazed by what she’s pulled off.”

“Yes, but…” Owen trailed off, his eyes scanning the room, his brow tight with worry.

It wasn’t often Owen dropped his carefree act. Few people knew about his real gift—his calculating, analytical mind. It’swhat made him invaluable in both corporate and personal security.

Levi tensed. “But what?”

Owen gave a slow shake of his head. “I’m still digging into her history like I promised, but something isn’t adding up. It’s premature to say anything concrete, and part of it really should come from her. I just…I can’t shake the feeling I’m missing something. And that it’s right in front of me.”

Levi’s anxiety spiked. He scanned the crowd but couldn’t spot Aurelia’s shimmering silhouette. The crystals on her dress were supposed to make her easy to find. A beacon in the dark.

“Let’s find her,” Levi said.

But before they could take a step, six elderly women materialized out of nowhere, blocking their path.

“Mr. Lockwood! I’ve beendyingto meet Aurelia’s new husband,” cackled the woman directly in front of him. “Gladys Heringsworth, longtime friend of Eleanor’s. Aurelia did a superb job tonight.”

She radiated luxury and entitlement, her sharp dark eyes glittering beneath arched brows. Though her frame was slight, Levi instinctively knew not to underestimate her.

“Allow me to introduce my friends,” she said grandly, gesturing to the imposing women flanking her. “Margaret Carrington, Nancy Fitzwalter, Judith Vanderlyn, Gertrude Pavendish, and Ophelia Draycott.”

Each was a formidable, perfectly groomed relic of Joia City’s social elite—and Levi had a very bad feeling about this as they quickly encircled them. He glanced at Owen, who looked equally alarmed.

“This is our first rave experience!” Gladys announced with glee. Her friends murmured excitedly. “Would you and your friend…” she looked expectantly at Owen.

Levi supplied dryly, “Owen.”

Owen shot him a glare promising payback.

“Ah, yes! Would you andOwendo us the honor of sharing our very first rave dance?”

This was not at all what Levi wanted to do. He racked his brain in a desperate attempt to form an excuse, but none came.

They were trapped.

Outnumbered six to two by a gaggle of determined senior citizens who undoubtedly had planned this ambush. His heart rate spiked off the charts with the overwhelming need to find Aurelia.

Levi exchanged a helpless glance with Owen. The look on his friend’s face said everything:We can take these silver birds out.

Levi shook his head slightly.No, there’s no way out of this.

Owen’s jaw clenched, his expression murderous, but Levi turned to Gladys and forced a tight smile.

“It would be our pleasure.”

The moment the words left his mouth, the silver-haired horde descended.

They were dragged onto the dance floor when the DJ dropped the first bass-heavy track. Glow sticks lit the room as the ancient women threw themselves into chaotic, wild flailing that barely qualified as dancing.

Before Levi knew what hit him, Gladys, Ophelia, and Judith were practically draped over him, their hands wandering far too freely.

“Ladies, please—” Levi protested.

“Hey!” Owen shouted nearby. “No means no, Margaret! I didn’t consent to this!”