nd a table set for three. Elise Harper stood beside Alexander Kane, her nerves taut as they awaited Victoria Langston. The air between them hummed with unspoken t

e restless. "Stay sharp tonight," he murmured, his voice low, meant

aid, though Victoria's cryptic text from the previous night lingered like a splinter. Alexander's atte

nde hair cascaded in waves, and her green eyes sparkled with calculated charm. "Alexander, darling," she purred, brushing

steel. "Miss Lan

a delicate blade. "Oh

Langston Corp's latest proposal. Elise took notes, her pen moving swiftly, but she felt Victoria's gaze like a spotlight, probing for weakness.

ander said, his eyes narrowing. "You're unde

was never our strong suit, was it? I want this deal

ded omit key liabilities. If we sign now, Kane Enterprises risk

rritation in her eyes. "You've done your

it was gone in an instant. "She's right," he said. "We'll

background, her ambitions, her sudden rise at Kane Enterprises. Each probe was a test, and Elise parried with calm preci

piratorial whisper. "Remember Paris, Alex? That rooftop, the champagne... we could ha

unreadable. "That was a lifetime ago,

ng air, and slipped onto the restaurant's terrace. The city sprawled below, a sea of lights that mirrored t

sharp against the glow. "You left abruptly," he said, hi

aze. "Just needed a momen

em shrinking. "She's a storm. Always ha

touch on his hand stung. "She's not over you," Elise s

rching hers. "And you? What do

f their attraction. "Trouble," she admitted, her voice bare

ed near hers, a heartbeat from contact, but voices from the dining room bro

r said, his voice rough, as if

ria's knowing smile met them, a predator scenting blood. The game was