A Night With The Billionaire Playboy

of laughter, clinking glasses, and the soft melody of a live jazz quartet. She adjusted the strap of her emerald green gown, the color a perfect match for her eyes, a

mpagne flute, she felt like an imposter in

rvo

standing beside her. His tousled dark hair and fitted blazer gave him an

nly to me. Remember, you belong here just as much as anyo

slightly. "Easy for you to say. You're not the one

make sure you don't drown in self-doubt. Now, go mingle. W

ng gowns, the air thick with the scent of expensive perfume and ambition. Amelia moved through the throng, exchanging pol

hen she

f power and mystery. His tailored suit hugged his athletic frame perfectly, and his tousled dark hair gave him a devil-may-care edge. But it was

f him, her heart pounding in her chest. "Hi," she said, her voice

elia Hart," he repeated, his voice low and smooth, like aged whiskey. "I've hea

tched. "You k

ed, his gaze never leaving hers. "And you

. "Networking, mostly. Tr

aid, leaning slightly closer. "Tell me, Amelia, what

uard. She hesitated, then met

e noise of the gala faded into the background.

f champagne. Alexander plucked two flutes and handed one to Am

lia couldn't shake the feeling that some

de hair and a crimson gown approached, her gray eyes sharp and calculating. "Alexander," she

sion remained unreadable. "Rachel," he s

elia glanced at Alexander, then at Rachel, her heart racing

elp but wonder if this night would be the beginning of

denly acutely aware of Rachel's presence, felt a cold flutter in her stomach. She clutched he

Rachel purred, her tone deceptively sweet.

ve an inch. His blue eyes met Amelia's, and there w

f your scheming to reclaim your place in his life?" The words slipped ou

on't need to scheme, dear. You should know I have other methods." She leaned

curity bubbling beneath the surface. "Well, you're welc

h a well-practiced smile. "Oh, I intend to. It will be quite the show." With that, she turned b

ing to quell the whirlwind of emotions that threatened to overwhelm her. It was one thing to feel a spark with Alexander, but a

engaging in polite conversations and fleeting smiles with art world luminaries.

esh air and a moment of clarity. The cityscape, alive with lights and activity, was b

rrupted her thoughts.

meanor and warm smile immediately eased her anxiety. "You lo

ing a smile to creep onto her l

her. "Okay, maybe more like one particularl

iling over. "She's impossible. I can't

taking a sip of his drink. "Focus on why you're here. You

ed with sarcasm. "You're not the one whose dreams are

a rare glimmer of intensity in his hazel eyes. "You're Amelia Hart. You're not just someon

nodded, the flicker of determination returning to her spirit. "You'

That's the spirit. Now let's take t

terrace. He was laughing at something Rachel said, a genuine smile on his face.

Derek said,

d sparkling conversations. She would not let Rachel or anyone else shackle her fu

with Rachel. "I can't just walk away from my family's expectations, Rachel,"

tions? Did he feel trapped in a world she wanted nothing to do with? As doubt filled her heart, she realized it

between them. Would their chemistry be enough to conquer the obstacles ahead, or w