Invitation

ovember air bit at her cheeks, but the whirlwind inside her head drowned out the cold. What had just happened? She had walked in

excited or terrified. The look in his eyes when he mentioned the event lingered in her mind. It was more than bus

reality. She fished it out of her purse and glan

llo

personal assistant. I'm calling to confirm your first meeting regarding the event plann

inked. "His

ace in a more private setting. You'll recei

ce steady despite the unease creeping

around her in a blur. A billionaire's penthouse? This was turning into the kind of

artment in Brooklyn. She needed to prepare-not just for the meetin

en's penthouse. Her tailored black dress hugged her curves, professional yet flattering,

a polite nod. "Miss Hart, M

quickening as it ascended. When the doors opened,

ning view of the city skyline, and the decor was a blend of sleek minimalism and understa

ive, isn

He looked different tonight-less corporate titan, more relaxed yet no less commandin

admitted, stepping f

sturing to a seating area near the

ling out her notebook. "What kind of

m her. "This isn't a corporate pitch anymor

ed. "Alright, Damien.

. "It's...a fundraiser, of sorts. Something intimate, exclu

a replied, jotting down n

"A private matter. Let's just say

but she chose not to press. "I'll need details about the

to know, Alexandra. This event isn't just about appearances. There are people who will try

eat at the intensity in his eyes. "I und

ng. "You're the first person I've trusted with

he had thought this was just another job, b

n's phone buzzed. He glanced at

standing abruptly. "

ne. She set her notebook down, her curiosity gnawing at

desk tucked into a corner. On it sat a stack of

aph showed Damien with a woman, their arms around each other, smili

d like Al

d for the frame, but a voice

ou've fo

oorway, his expression a storm of emotions-anger

ra asked, her voice b

on the photograph. "She was someone I

ra could ask more, he added, "That's enough for tonight. I'

leave-not without answers. "Damien, why did you

jaw tightening. "You s

argument. She grabbed her notebook and h

oman in the photograph? And why did she feel like she was stepping into