Entwined Destiny

ne uniforms moved like clockwork, balancing trays of champagne flutes. The attendees, dressed in gowns and tuxedos that

despised the hollow rituals of networking and superficial charm. But tonight, he had no choice. His company, Blackwell Industries, was under siege,

ut Adrian exuded control, from the precision of his movements to the way his dark hair was sli

middle-aged man whose handshake was as limp as his conversation. The man droned on about a pot

simple yet elegant, a deep burgundy that complemented her sun-kissed skin. Dark curls framed her face, and her lips curved into a

without a second thought, his steps carrying

to-ceiling windows. Her world was a small, struggling art gallery on the edge of town, where passion mattered more than profit and every sale felt like a lifeli

isguised as pleasantries. Still, she kept her head high and her tone polite, even when a man

ay from yet another insufferable conversation. She found refug

much fun as I am," a dee

His sharp jawline, piercing gray eyes, and impeccably tailored tuxedo screamed wealth an

?" Elena replied, r

orner of his mouth twitching i

idence that bordered on arrogance. He was handsome in a way

she prompted,

l," he said, off

a passing knowledge of the business world would know. Billionaire tech mogul. Ruthless CEO. The

And what brings the great Adrian Black

s smile widened. He wasn't used to being addre

e said simply

ething about Adrian's gaze held her. "I'm here on behalf of the Marquez Foundation

n said, though his

able," she said, her lips

profit," Adrian said, surprising

ht people like you didn't believe in altrui

iver down her spine. "People like me? You m

ack, her voice playful b

serious. "Maybe I am," he said softly. "But that doesn't

s sincerity. She had expected arrogan

a voice interrupted them

ke liquid gold. She placed a hand on Adrian's arm, her r

said, his tone p

she said, ignoring Elena entirely. "We ne

, his expression apologetic

Elena said, s

ion low and intense. Something about the interaction left a sour taste i

and she had no intention

nessa spoke. His gaze flicked toward the windows, whe

ars, he felt a flicker o

d perhaps, just