g after brought a strange heaviness. Damian Cross's sudden departure during their rooftop moment left her with more ques

ce" had opened doors she'd never imagined. Her inbox was flooded with interview requests, gal

e in the room felt deafening. It wasn't just t

The celebration had been a triumph, but the call he'd received on th

et. She stood in the doorway, her usual calm demeanor tinged wi

his mind was elsewhere

ally stunning; it was transformative, a reminder of the humanity he often buried beneath spreadsheets and corporate deals. But h

ulling her out of her

trying to sound more

fe treating you? "Zoe's voice was warm, bu

g's happening so fast. And Damian...

onaire with a billion problems. Just focus o

t it didn't make the weigh

was to celebrate the success of the art and tech hub, and her attendance was not just requeste

a. You can't just hide in your studio forever. Beside

m, the air buzzing with chatter and laughter. Ava entered cautiously; her nerves frayed. Her black sa

work. Despite their kind words, her mind was elsewhere. She scanned th

pression unreadable. He wore a tailored navy suit, and his presence seemed to c

mself from the group he was speakin

e softer than she expect

voice steadier than she felt

"It's all for you, you know. Your work

mmanding. She was tall and striking, with dark hair pulled into an

ut laced with familiarity. "Aren't yo

ed. "Ava Harper, this is Victoria Langston.

ed hand. "A pleasure to meet you, Ms.

subtle condescension in her ton

n, her smile sharpening. "Damian and I have s

a sinking feeling settling in her stomach. The way Victoria had spoken t

ce, needing fresh air. The cool breeze was a wel

ice broke the silence. She turned to find him

't really my thi

readable. "I wanted to apologize for

h it wasn't entirely true. "

ave a complicated history, but that's in

o understand the man behind the mask. "Why do I get

nging between them. "Because there is. But som

if you can't be honest with me

ver seen before. "I don't know," he admitted. "But I do know th

ther of them could say another word, Damian's phone buz

egret heavy in his voice.

secrets they carried. She knew she was standing on the edge of something p