mi

tions. Control your environment. Control the people around you.

attered in an instant, all b

e what you have done'' The echo of shattering glass still rang in my ears as I stood there, drenched in champagne. The room seemed to pause, every eye

tray to her chest like a lifeline. Her wide, dark eyes darted around the room before l

muttered, more to

ening as she gripped the tray.

her shoulders hunched.

f. "You've made me a spectacle in front of the most important pe

ed in her expression-pride, perhaps, or defiance. "I said I was

per barely in check. "You

brushing at my ruined suit. This woman wasn't worth my time. Turning sharply, I

-

l meaningless conversations, smiling and nodding as board members and potent

ere was something about her that stuck with me. Maybe it was the look in her eyes-a mixture of fe

's voice cut thr

e was smiling, but there was a calculating glint in her eyes. Evelyn had always

led earlier," she said, h

discussing," I

mile grew tighter. "It's not like you to le

, signaling a serve

veal a hint of frustration. "You know," she said, her voice softening, "if y

id, already t

cloaked in darkness. I slid into the backse

, sir?" h

long route

leather seat, staring out at the glittering skyline. Normally, the sight of the city c

ame lingered in m

ouldn't stop replaying the moment she'd met my gaze, the flicker of defiance that had dared to chal

l at the top of his game. I had planned to make the most of it, rubbing elbows with potential business investors and partners who could take my business to greater heights, even tho

night settled heavily on my shoulders as I stripped off my soiled shirt, tossing it carelessl

ident with Maya. Tomorrow was too