August kept his chin lifted, but his eyes were softer now.

It was different from his usual coldness.

Eloise looked away, letting out a frustrated breath.

"Forget it. You wouldn't understand."

She turned to leave, but he lightly caught her arm.

"Are you finished?" he asked, his tone calm but firm, as if now he were the one trying to keep things balanced.

She hesitated.

"Because the show isn't over yet, Eloise," he continued, slowly letting go. "And we still have an entire audience w