Elizabeth bit back a sigh. What a cunning move.

She approached Elijah, her expression as sharp as shattered glass. “If you’re here for the party, perhaps you should find your dream girl instead.”

Elijah’s jaw tightened. The warmth he’d seen her show other men was replaced by a chilling indifference that stung more than he cared to admit.

“What kind of nonsense is that?” he snapped, irritation flashing in his eyes. “Why do you always drag Sandra into this? Initially, I thought you were mistaken, but now I see what she meant—you’re deliberately targeting her!”

Elizabeth shrugged with a nonchalance that could rival the wind ignoring a falling leaf. “Yes, that’s right. I’m the big bad villain. Satisfied? Or is there more you need to lecture me about? If not, consider it noted.”

She turned to leave, but Elijah blocked her path. “You’re not going anywhere without taking me inside.”

Elizabeth folded her arms, her gaze unwavering. “I’m not in the mood. Find another way in.”

Elijah let out a humorless laugh, his frustration evident. “You’re holding my invitation. Why can’t I get in?”

Elizabeth frowned. She’d arrived with Soren. When, exactly, had Elijah given her an invitation?

Their heated exchange drew Soren’s attention. He approached, nodding at Elijah before addressing Elizabeth. “What’s happening?”

The visibly flustered waiter saw Soren as a potential mediator and, before Elizabeth could respond, blurted out, “Mr. Rodgers, this gentleman claims he gave his invitation to this lady…”

Soren quickly grasped the situation—the waiter believed Elijah was trying to crash the event. “This is a business partner of Mr. Bowman and the CEO of the Norris Group,” Soren explained. “Obtaining an invitation is no challenge for him. There’s been a misunderstanding. Return to your duties; I’ll escort Mr. James inside.”

Relieved, the waiter hurried away. Soren turned to Elijah, offering further clarification. “Elizabeth came with me because Mr. Bowman invested in our new drama. She only carried a small clutch; it couldn’t hold an invitation. I believe you’ve misunderstood, Mr. James.”