ing for the last hour. Sleep had been elusive after the gala. Her mind replayed every interaction, every scrutinizing glan

her thinly veiled hostility, had struck a nerve Elena didn't want to admit existed. She'd expe

precise and purposeful. He was dressed more casually today, his navy button-down rolled at the

his tone businessli

raded around like a prize," s

ed, unfazed by her tone. "It's

l just practice," she said

son you're picking a fight with me, or ar

mediately regretted it. Taking a deep breath, s

rpness. "That's fair. But you'll need to learn how t

muttered. "You've been do

ghtly, studying her. "You

ook effortless

his voice quieter now. "What you saw last

ed him to acknowledge the artifice of their ro

d her a folder. "We need to review the details for the

tailed itinerary and a list of potential questions. "A

Adrian explained. "The gala was a goo

the questions. "The

ast," he said. "Stick to the

she replied, a hint of

d firmly. "This isn't just about you or me

p saying it's not personal, but it feels like I'm losi

ained steady. "You're not losing yourself

s words settling over her. It was

ike a well-oiled machine, setting up lights, cameras, and microphones for a pre-interview shoo

m set than her sanctuary. She leaned against the counter, r

an's voice came

," she replied with

p at eight tomorrow," he said. "We'll

ave," she mutter

e grounding yet overwhelming. "You

by the sincerity in his voice.

s gaze steady. "The trick is

a moment, the façade of the unflappable billionai

orrow," he said,

led after him, he

d, looki

aid, the words ten

fore he nodded and walked out, le

from her restless sleep. She dressed quickly, opting for a simple yet elegan

is tablet. He glanced up as she slid into the seat,

?" he

ly," she

e," he said

he air was palpable. When they arrived, Elena was whisked into

e placed a hand on her arm, his touch surprisingly steadying.

ing strength fro

warm smile-asking light questions about their engagement and shared in

lation about the timing of your engagement, given Adrian's recent business v

ation is inevitable in our world," he said smoothly. "But our relat

a, her gaze expectant.

kening. "Absolutely. Our relationship is

ping for more, but Adrian redirected

e she'd run a marathon. Adrian gave her an appr

d, her voice ting

t the beginning, Elena. But you

ed or overwhelmed, but one thing was c