Chapter 14: Jealousy and Passion

A week after their peaceful getaway, the reality of the European art world returned with full force. A prestigious international gallery in

Mayfair, London, was hosting a private gala celebrating the top 10 European designers of the year, with Clara placed right at the top of the list.

The gallery was filled with sleek art displays, ambient lighting, and elite guests sipping expensive champagne. Clara looked stunning in a

backless, midnight-black velvet gown that accented her soft curves. Ethan walked beside her, his hand resting possessively at the small of her

back, looking every bit the proud partner.

However, the evening took an unexpected turn when Julian Vance—a charismatic, world-renowned French art critic and curator—approached Clara’s

exhibition display. Julian was smooth, handsome, and known throughout Paris for his charming playboy persona.

“Mademoiselle Montgomery,” Julian spoke with a smooth French accent, taking Clara’s hand and pressing a slow kiss to the back of it, lingering

just a second too long. “Your use of negative space in this campaign is divine. I have spent the last hour simply admiring your mind.”

Clara smiled politely, drawing her hand back smoothly. “Thank you, Mr. Laurent. It was a collaborative effort with Vance Global.”

“Ah, yes. The corporate giants,” Julian said with a dismissive wave of his hand, leaning in slightly closer to Clara. “A artist of your rare

caliber shouldn’t be chained to corporate boardrooms. Come to Paris with my gallery next month. I can offer you total artistic freedom… and

perhaps much more.”

Before Clara could respond, a heavy, commanding presence settled beside her.

Ethan stepped into the light, his jaw clenched tight, his posture rigid with a dangerous, dark intensity. The cool, icy mask was back, but behind

his blue eyes burned a fire of pure, unadulterated jealousy.

“Miss Montgomery’s contract with Vance Global is exclusive, Laurent,” Ethan said, his voice dropping to a low, lethal baritone that instantly

chilled the space between them. “And her talent is not up for auction.”

Julian chuckled softly, entirely unbothered by Ethan’s hostility. “Ah, Mr. Vance. Always business. But talent naturally gravitates toward

appreciation, doesn’t it?”

Ethan took a half-step forward, his broad shoulders blocking Julian’s view of Clara entirely. “Try soliciting my lead designer again, Julian, and

I will ensure your gallery loses every European sponsor before midnight.”

Julian’s smile faltered slightly under Ethan’s deadly stare. Recognizing the threat was real, Julian gave a stiff nod, raised his glass, and

slipped away into the crowd.

Clara looked up at Ethan, equal parts surprised and amused by his intense reaction. “Ethan… were you just threatening one of Europe’s top art

critics?”

Ethan turned to her, his grip tightening around her waist as he pulled her closer, his dark eyes searching hers with intense passion. “I don’t

care who he is, Clara. The way he looked at you… the way he touched your hand…” He took a slow breath, his voice raspy. “It drives me insane

to think anyone else thinks they have a right to you.”

Clara felt a sudden surge of heat rush through her veins. The possessive fire in Ethan’s eyes wasn’t terrifying—it was breathtakingly

intoxicating.

“Ethan, I’m not going anywhere,” Clara murmured, resting her hand against his chest, feeling his rapidly beating heart. “I don’t care about Paris

or Julian Laurent. You are the only one I see.”

Ethan stared down at her lips, his control slipping completely. Without caring about the wealthy guests or the flashing cameras across the room,

Ethan leaned down and kissed her with a fierce, burning passion that left her breathless, making it indisputably clear to the entire room who

Clara Montgomery belonged to.