r strange encounter, she found an envelope slipped under her door. An invitation, elegant and formal, written with almost

came from a world she didn't belong to, and the idea of sharing a meal with him seemed absurd to her. But th

d to make ends meet. Nathan Blackwell may have been arrogant, but he had the power and the mean

exuded wealth and refinement, and Clara immediately felt out of her comfort zone. The maitre d', an impeccable-looking man, greeted her wit

rk suit. When he saw her arrive, he stood up, displaying the

pulling out her chair for

ept," she answered honestly as

"Brutal honesty.

hose prices were not even displayed. Clara immediately felt uncomfor

us? » Nathan suggested,

relieved. "

his attention to her. He seemed to be s

why were you at that e

she replied bluntly. "It's n

ith an amused glint in his

plied, crossing her arms. "But

meet are interested in what I can offer them. You, on the o

shoulders. "I don't

Nathan seemed to be thinking, as if he were

er, don't you? »

"How... how d

t seeming embarrassed. "I wanted to un

o do that," she sai

y a huge weight on your shoulders. You work hard, you sacrifice for your brother, a

n her throat. She didn't expect such frankness, nor t

finally whispered, looking down.

ly placed his hand on the table, next to her

deep voice. "I too have someo

up, surprised

kened a painful memory. "My younger sister. She... she di

armor. He wasn't just powerful and arrogant. He also

ur best," she said softly, surprise

ing away. "But sometimes o

oment. Clara was grateful for the distraction. She fel

lence. Nathan asked him questions about his work, about his passion

bout me? » she finally as

air, crossing his arms. "Bec

laugh. "I'm not fascinating, Nathan. I'

makes you fascinating," h

anted to protest, to tell him he was wrong, but

, Nathan insisted that she ac

," she said as she

gaze still fixed on her, as if he want

ough her. This man, so enigmatic, had just opened a door that she wasn't sure