THE HIGH-RISE HEART

"Alice Davidson" confidently stood in front of the windows of her 10th-floor office, gazing out at the bustling streets of Rusholme West. Her long, curly brown hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail, and her sharp jawline was set in determination. She was a force to be reckoned with in the cutthroat world of

Manchester City real estate.

As she sipped her black coffee, her eyes scanned the sprawling cityscape below, her mind racing with the thrill of the next big deal. Her phone buzzed, breaking the silence, and she answered with a crisp "Alice Davidson."

Alice, it's Rita from the acquisitions team," her colleague's voice came through the line. "We've got a meeting with Ashley Wagner's people in 30 minutes. Are you ready?"

Alice's heart skipped a beat. Ashley Wagner, the elusive and enigmatic billionaire, was a man she had heard whispers about but never met. His reputation for ruthless business tactics and unparalleled success was both intimidating and intriguing.

"I was born ready," Alice replied, with a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

With that, she set down her coffee and began gathering her files, her mind already racing with strategies and negotiations with a lot of excitement. Little did she know, this meeting would be the start of a game-changing deal - and a whirlwind romance that would shake her very foundations to the core.

As she made her way to the conference room, Alice's thoughts, turned to the coveted property on 5th Avenue. The historic building was a gem, and she knew Ashley Wagner's s company, Wagner's Enterprises, was eager to acquire it. But so was she. Alice had a vision for the property's revitalization, and she was determined to make it happen.

Upon entering the conference room, Alice was greeted by a team of suited executives from Ashley Enterprises. Her eyes scanned the room, searching for the elusive Ashley Wagner Instead, she spotted his right-hand man, the imposing and stern-looking Michael Tingey.

"Alice Davidson, good to finally meet you," Michael said, extending a firm handshake.

As they exchanged pleasantries, Alice noticed a figure standing by the window, his back to the room. His broad shoulders and chiseled profile were unmistakable. Ashley Wagner's.

"Ah, Ashley," Michael said, following her gaze. "Join us, please."

Ashley turned, his piercing blue eyes looking at Alice. A hint of a smile played on his lips as he strode towards her, his confident stride commanding attention.

"Alice Davidson," he said, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. "I've heard great things about your work. Let's get down to business, shall we?"

With that, the meeting began, and Alice found herself in a high-stakes game of negotiation with the enigmatic Ashley Wagner as her opponent - and potential ally.

The meeting was a blur of numbers, projections, and strategic maneuvering. Alice held her own, but Ashley's sharp mind and quick wit left her feeling like she was dancing on the edge of a razor. She couldn't help but admire his intellect, even as she clashed with him over the terms of the deal.

As the discussion drew to a close, Ashley leaned back in his chair, his eyes never leaving hers. "I think we've reached an impasse, Alice," he said, his voice low and smooth. "But I'm willing to make a compromise. Meet me for dinner tonight, and we'll discuss the final points of the deal."

Alice hesitated, unsure if she was ready to venture into the lion's den alone. But something about Ashley's piercing gaze and charming smile put her at ease. "Okay," she agreed, her voice firm. "But just dinner. And just business."

Ashley's smile grew wider, and he extended his hand. "I promise. Just dinner. And just business."

As they shook hands, Alice felt a jolt of electricity run through her body. It was as if the entire room had narrowed down to just the two of them, and she knew at that moment that she was in trouble.

The meeting adjourned, and Alice left the conference room feeling like she'd just gone a few rounds with a heavyweight champion. She couldn't help but wonder what the rest of the evening had in store.

As she made her way back to her office, her phone buzzed with a text from an unknown number: "7 pm. At Le McDonald's. Wear something stunning."

Ashley's message left her breathless and curious. What did he have planned for tonight? And why did she feel like she was walking into a trap?

Alice arrived at Le McDonald, a luxurious French restaurant in the heart of Manhattan, at 7 pm sharp. She had spent hours agonizing over her outfit, finally settling on a sleek black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. As she entered the restaurant, she spotted Ashley waiting for her by the bar, looking dashing in a tailored suit.

"Alice, you look stunning," he said, as he handed her a glass of champagne. "Shall we?"

They were led to a cozying table by the window, and Alice couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and nervousness as they sat down. The conversation flowed easily, with Ashley regaling her with stories of his travels and business ventures. Alice found herself laughing and smiling more than she had in weeks.

As the main course arrived, Ashley turned the conversation to business, and they diversified into the details of the deal. Alice was impressed by his sharp mind and quick wit, and she found herself enjoying the sparring match of negotiations.

But as the night wore on, the conversation turned more personal. Ashley asked her about her family, her dreams, and her fears. Alice found herself opening up to him in ways she never had with anyone before.

As they finished dessert and prepared to part ways, Ashley reached across the table and took her hand. "Alice, I have to say, I'm enjoying your company tonight," he said, his eyes sparkling with sincerity. "Would you like to continue this conversation somewhere else?"

Alice felt a flutter in her chest as she met his gaze. She knew she should say no, that she should keep things professional. But something about Ashley's charming smile and warm eyes made her say yes.

"Okay," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But just for a nightcap."

Ashley's smile grew wider as he helped her out of her seat. "I promise. Just a nightcap."

As they left the restaurant, Alice couldn't help but wonder what the rest of the night had in store. Little did she know, she was about to embark on a whirlwind romance that would change her life forever.

Ashley led her to a black car waiting by the curb, and they drove to a luxurious penthouse apartment overlooking the city skyline. The living room was dimly lit, with soft music playing in the background, and a breathtaking view of the Rusholme West lights.

As they sipped their nightcaps, the conversation turned more intimate, and Alice found herself feeling comfortable and at ease with Ashley. She couldn't believe how much they had in common, from their love of art to their passion for business.

As the night wore on, Ashley took her hand, and they walked out to the balcony, gazing out at the glittering lights of the city. The cool night air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, and Alice felt like she was on top of the world.

"Ashley, I have to say, I'm enjoying your company tonight," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Ashley turned to her, his eyes sparkling with warmth. "I'm enjoying yours too, Alice. You're an incredible woman."