The Heir's Gambit    

Cole had never been one to entertain flirtations or indulge in pleasantries with women, and his disinterest was clear to all.

To approach him was to risk public humiliation, and no one wanted to be the next to fall victim to his scathing remarks.

So the young ladies, dressed in their finest designer gowns, contented themselves with admiring him from afar. They cast longing glances in his direction, whispering amongst themselves, wondering what it would be like to catch his eye, even if for just a moment.

Yet none dared make the first move. The consequences of being dismissed by Cole Fay were too severe, especially in front of the elite crowd gathered tonight.

Better to remain silent than to face rejection in such a grand setting.