Siana smiled, a little surprised he knew who she was. “Yes, that’s me. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure’s mine,” Ethan said warmly. “Congratulations on the campaign, by the way. I’ve heard great things.”
“Thank you,” Siana replied, feeling both flattered and slightly overwhelmed. She still couldn’t get used to the idea of being recognized by people from the world of fame and glamour.
Ashleen, never one to miss an opportunity, chimed in with a grin. “You’re definitely making waves, Siana. I told you—you belong here with all these stars.”
Ethan raised his glass in a toast. “Here’s to your continued success. I’m sure this is just the beginning.”
Siana smiled, feeling a bit more relaxed as they clinked their glasses together. Though the glitzy world still felt like a dream, moments like this made it all feel a little more real. 
As the conversation continued, Ashleen’s attention was soon drawn by a group of familiar faces nearby—people she recognized from the fashion world. Never one to miss an opportunity to mingle, she excused herself with a wink at Siana. "I'll be right back, Siana! Gotta say hi to some folks."
Before Siana could protest, Ashleen had already slipped into the crowd, leaving her alone with Ethan. Siana felt a wave of awkwardness wash over her, though Ethan’s easygoing demeanor helped soften the moment.
“So,” Ethan said, turning his full attention to her, “How are you finding all of this? The parties, the attention—it’s quite the whirlwind, huh?”
Siana smiled, trying to hide her nervousness. “It’s definitely... overwhelming. I’m still not used to it. Everything feels like a dream.”
“I get that,” Ethan nodded, his tone understanding. “It’s a strange world to step into, especially when everyone seems to know your name all of a sudden. But you’re handling it well. You looked pretty confident up on that stage earlier.”
Siana chuckled softly, glancing at her nearly empty champagne glass. “Thanks, but trust me, it’s mostly nerves. I still can’t believe I’m here.”
Ethan smiled warmly. “Believe it. You earned it.” He paused, studying her for a moment. “You know, not everyone here is as genuine as they seem. But you—you seem real. It’s refreshing.”
Siana looked at him, surprised by the sincerity in his voice. “Thanks. That means a lot, especially coming from someone who’s been in this world for a while.”
Ethan shrugged. “Well, I’ve learned to spot the real ones. And you, Siana, you seem like one of the good ones.”
She gave a small, appreciative smile but couldn't shake the feeling of being out of place. The glitz, the glamour—it was still foreign to her. But Ethan’s words offered a bit of comfort, and she found herself feeling a little more at ease.
Suddenly, the atmosphere in the room shifted, as if an invisible current of energy had rippled through the air. Conversations quieted, and heads turned as Devillian Giordano made his entrance. His presence was magnetic, impossible to ignore. 
His tall, commanding figure moved through the crowd with an effortless authority. Dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit, he exuded a cold elegance, his dark eyes scanning the room with a sharp, predatory gaze. The space around him seemed to tense, as though his very presence had a gravitational pull.
Siana felt the change immediately. She didn’t have to look up to know who had just entered. The air felt heavier, more intense, as if the room itself had acknowledged his dominance. Even though she’d told herself not to be affected by him, her body betrayed her, reacting instinctively to the raw power he carried with him.