sented was unlike anything she had ever been given. The chance to work directly with him on a high-risk product line was a dream opportunity for anyone in her field,

e been waiting for." He wasn't just offering her a project; he was offering her

nding on someone like Ethan Montgomery-someone so enigmatic, so guarded left her uneasy. Was she prepared to step into a world tha

terrupting her tho

, calm and composed. "I trust you've

before responding. "Yes, Mr. Montgomery. I've been considerin

anything less. Why don't we meet again to

as she entered the lobby, but this time, there was a different energy in the air. She had made up her mind to be cautious-after all, this wasn't

ere was a subtle shift in the atmosphere. He seemed more relaxed, though still just as co

deliberate. "I know this is a big decision, and I want to m

"I appreciate that, but this project-it's high-risk, you said

he admitted. "But that's the nature of innovation. If we succeed, it will change the landscape of the industry. If we

is wasn't going to be easy, and it wasn't going to be without its

for the job?" she asked, her voice steady, betr

nd your ability to make things happen. You're not afraid to take chances, and that

worked hard to get to where she was, and this-this could be the op

after a pause. "But what's your stake

a professional, but as someone who can see beyond the usual boundaries of business. Someone who can take risks, make

felt personal, almost intimate. It wasn't just about business anymore. The

e time to get distracted. "Okay, I'll take the project

n eyebrow. "An

o be just a consultant on this. If I'm going to take this r

rds. Then, slowly, a smile spread across his face. "Deal.

't help but feel a surge of anticipation. This was it the begi

urs in meetings, refining the product's marketing strategy, and consulting with Ethan on every major decision. Sh

ence, his sharp intellect, the way he saw the world in ways she could only dream of. And yet, he remained elusive, always keeping a part of

they spent more time together, she began to see glimpses of a differ

by restaurant. It was a casual gesture, but there was something about the way he extended the invitation tha

, they talked about the project but also about their personal lives. It was rare for Eth

ted, his voice thoughtful. "It's easier that way. People are compl

him, even if it was brief. "I understand that," she said quietly. "I've al

lt as if the world outside the restaurant had ceased to exist. Sophia felt a pull towa

e, it passed. Ethan stood up, his us

he said, his tone light. "This pro

just happened. The attraction between them was undeniable, but so

xt. She had taken the leap into this high-stakes project, but what would hap

r was she already falling for the billionaire w