STARBOUND BILLIONAIRE

forward, momentarily overwhelmed by the city's blinding beauty. Her heart beat fast, quicker than she'd expected. It

seen since leaving Thalassa. Yet it also held a strange allure. Lights from luxurious towers glittered in the distance, each one a testame

ed to downplay. Auburn hair fell in soft waves around a face framed by high cheekbones and amber eyes filled with wary curiosity. Her gaze darted aro

ime in E

and steel-gray eyes stood beside her, observing her openly with mild interest. His black tailored

hen summoned a polite sm

fatherly. "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Nikolas

plied, holding out her hand. His

recognition lighting his eyes. "You've been

-conscious beneath his thoughtful scrutiny. "To be h

te for innovation. We rarely miss a chance to bring new talent to our

y, faces serene and composed. Luxury was as natural here as breathing, yet beneath the dazzling surfaces, Ariadne sensed

tures cascaded like frozen waterfalls, shimmering softly beneath the translucent ceiling through which the endless cosmos glittered brilliantly. People

t?" Nikolas asked, n

e overwhelming," Ari

ustomed," he assured

passed. Ariadne placed her palm against the cool surface, shivering slightly as a soft light danced across

retched endlessly, illuminated by ethereal lights and vibrant advertisements that projected softly ont

further. "Not everyone has this chance. You'll meet extraordinary people,

im cautiously. "I came here to wor

knowing. "Sometimes life doesn't follow the plan

d them swiftly, heels clicking sharply with authority. Her cool eyes assessed Ariadne, taking in her a

e smooth yet cool. "My name is Callista Maris. I manage

matching Callista's confident tone des

ing a knowing glance toward Nikolas. "Tonight, you'll attend the opening gala. Attendance

e quickened in mild pa

interrupted smoothly, her eyes cool yet

polite nod. "I'

Ariadne moved toward it uncertainly, turning back briefly tow

d anxiously. She'd come here seeking opportunity, expecting nothing more than to quietly do her research. Ye

s mirrored surface gleaming like liquid silver beneath the

t felt somehow sterile, untouched. This was a temporary dream, surely nothing more. But as she approached

iadne unwrapped it hesitantly, pulling forth a gown of shimmering midnight silk. It was the most

ion. Tonight, yo