and chandeliers casting a golden glow

During the Phoenix Project board review, she faced a room full of executives. She had won them

incisive. Still, Sophia had anticipated everyone, backing her vision with impe

at the end of her presentation, Sophia fe

fterglow of success, but now, standing amid New

ulder. "You're here because you earned it; the Phoen

ent helped, but some guests' murmurs and

der, with whispers suggesting that her succe

and straightened her posture. She wasn't going to

ooth, familiar

a few steps away, a sly smile playing on hi

as slightly tousled, as though he'd spent just

d, her lips curving

sed paths months ago during a collaborative initiat

e royalty. Still, his easygoing nature made their interactions surp

way of making her feel seen, his wit and warmth constan

ght but sincere. "Congratulations on your promotion and on t

under his praise. "Thank you

r. "But honestly, I'm impressed. Getting Charles to shut up w

slightly. Adrian affected people, making them feel li

t in her was evident. But before their conversati

nne

aces away. His presence was always magnetic, and his tailore

, his tone friendly but

ugh his eyes hinted at something she couldn'

pped aside gracefully. "Of c

champagne flute on a nearby tray and following

ed to a soft waltz as Alexand

he room's attention pressing against her. She could fee

nwavering, and something i

movements were precise yet fluid as they glided in time with the mu

low enough for only her to hear. "You anticipated eve

t pounding. "I just wanted to

exander replied, his tone soften

eeks heating under his pra

aist, drawing her attention back to him. "Do

less. The noise and movement around them fad

the music ended, and appla

id formally, stepping back. Yet his gaz

a murmured, her vo

more, Adrian reappeare

away?" he asked, his

, but he stepped aside, h

ch was confident, his steps assured, but unlike Alexander's steady

Adrian murmured, his voice teasing but kind. "Th

n eyebrow. "Wha

hers. "Come on, Sophia. Even I can see the way M

ed. "You're im

rwise. "But be careful. Alexander Munroe doesn't do

ugh her, but before she cou

g. "Just watch your step, Sophia. This

ppeared into the crowd, leaving Sop

who stood at a corner of the room,

questions she didn't want to answer. Caught between Alexander's unyielding

sure she could navigate the trea