siness associates. His demeanor had changed-his usual calm, measured exterior was slightly cracked. The air of mystery surrounding him only deepened, fueling her curiosity. The gala had

just here for the champagne and small talk. She was here for a story, and Alexander Sterling seemed like the perfect lead. But this wasn

r a glass of champagne, and as she took a sip, she caught sight of Alexander across the room. He was engaged in what seemed like an intense conversation with one of

r career as a journalist. And right now, everything about Alexander Sterling scr

arty?" a voice

to her. He was handsome, in a polished, almost too-perfec

not wanting to be drawn in

Donovan," he said,

is was the man who had shaken Alexander earlier-the one who had hinted

ter," she s

if trying to size her up. "I've heard your n

's ri

ressed. You've made quite a nam

his gaze lingered on her, like he was trying to peel away her layers a

shoulders with billionaires, attending glamorous p

ged. "It has

e lowering. "I wonder, have you wr

t Emilia off guard

nd, but he recovered quickly. "Just cur

ve chosen. Mysterious, dangerous, elusive-those

nonchalantly. "Why? Do you have

spoil the fun. But if you're digging into Alexander's life,

ckened. Was that a

into the crowd. Emilia stood there for a moment, her mind racing. What did he mean by no

he was onto something big. Bi

a few more guests now, his charming facade back in place, but she could tell he wasn't fully presen

es locked. There was something there-something unsaid. Emilia felt her sto

she turned to find a man she didn't recognize-ta

d quietly. "Mr. Sterl

, but she composed herse

ses, until they reached a side room that had been set up as a lounge for VIPs. The

w of the city lights cast shadows across his face, highlighting his sharp featur

e low and controlled. "Dono

ment, unsure of how much

her, his expression unrea

But he seemed... intereste

strides, closing the distance between them. He stood so clos

from him," he said, h

t's going on, Alexander? Why is

milia thought he wasn't going to answer. But t

and I have... history. But it's not

d, her voice firm. "You can't expe

s a flicker of something dark in his ey

an is dangerous. More dange

uriosity burning. "Then tell me

or a moment, Emilia thought he was going to shut her out completely. But then, his shoul

ut you're right-there are things about me that you

dn't back down. "Then why don't you

moment, his eyes searching hers.

e truth," he said softly,

ndow showing the city skyline at night. Emilia and Alexander stand facing ea