ands trembling slightly as she clutched the edge of her small clutch. The imposing building stood befo

valet approached to open the door for her. She murmured a barely audible

outfits came and went, their bursts of laughter and conversation echoing in the fragrant air. Irin

table was set up near a majestic staircase, where a man in an impeccable sui

see your invitation? » he

nded him the invitation. The man examined h

n is being held in the main room, at the end of

ed heavier than the last, as if she were carrying the weight of all her doubts.

tables, and an orchestra played a soft melody from a stage. The guests seemed to glow, their clothes glistening un

reet corner. Observing the crowd, she immediately noticed the calculated glances, the s

ed through the room. Eyes turned almost in synchrony towar

ery movement. He was tall, impeccably dressed in a black suit that seemed tailored to him, and exuded an almost overwhelming n

Irina understood that he was so

voice whispe

ightly to see a woman wh

she added, almo

ersations, whispers about an influential and ruthless billionaire. But seeing it i

y, hoping to go unnoticed. But d

her heel hit something – or rather someone. She felt a

an unreadable expression on his face. The glass of champagne he was holding was s

felt a blush rise to her cheeks, h

sorry! I... I di

rnity, his gray eyes staring at Irina as if trying to

Xander a towel. The latter wiped the stain with c

sked in a low but

She opened her mouth, searchi

, miss," h

she finally answered, h

familiar to him. Then, to Irina's great surprise, one

on his heel and walking away, leaving Iri

head, quickly heading towards a quieter corner. His hand

get angry? And most importantly, how was she going to

ontact with Xander. But one thing was certain: this unexpected encounte