y streets. Ava stared at her own reflection in the dark glass

echoed in her hea

elf like a decorative plate. She had thought the CFA charter was enough, a key that would unlock a

igree and a steady, uninterrupted climb up the corporate l

the new wolves of Wall Street. Hungry. Disruptive.

atform and ascended into the heart of global finance. The air here fe

k, black-glass tower that seemed to pierce th

Ava pushed through the

rete floors, black marble walls, and a single, massive, a

y severe woman named Jessica Reyn

you," Jessica said with a polite, but

vators for the main offices, Jessica swipe

on the top floor," she explained

r? A department head? The elevator ascended with unnerving speed and silence,

The industrial-chic aesthetic continued, but it was softened by priceless works o

ica said, gesturing towards a pair of mass

y as she pushed one o

walls were floor-to-ceiling glass, offering a breathtaking, god-like v

window. He was tall, dressed in a suit so perfectl

This was a mistake. She was out of her depth. She clu

so bright that he was just a silhouette, a dark, impo

's den, and she had just walked into it. She took

sound that was utterly at odds

h a warm, musical cadence she hadn't heard in years.

so familiar, stopped her

The scrape of gravel under her knees. A boy, a little older, a li

rk eyes that crinkled at the corners when he smiled, and an easy, confident charisma. His handsom

tilted o

mae

d his stolen bread with her, who had taught her how to fight back, w

smile that lit up his face a

sh," Ismael

a polite, corporate embrace. It was a real hug, strong and warm and safe. He smelled

e in the fine wool of his suit jacket. All the tension, all the fear

to arm's length, his hands on her shoulders. He stud

"All grown up. But you're too thin.

. The scrappy, angry boy who had vowed to burn the world down for what it had done

sit down." He led her to a sitting area with plush leather sof

l cup, her hands

ression turning serious. He picked up a single shee

" he said, his voice now all business. "CFA Level

, his dark eyes l

s. Damian Carlisle applying for a