glass walls that showcased the glittering skyline. The city's pulse thrummed through the s

d for his empire. A sea of flashing cameras, clinking glasses, and whispered deals surrounded him.

ures were present, all cloaked in their finest attire, exchanging pleasantries. But none of them

ria

ith a sharpness that stilled the air. He turned, and there she was-

, buried beneath the surface. She was no longer the wide-eyed girl from Chicago, but a confide

he gesture felt almost hollow. It had been more than a decade sin

rm. "I didn't expect you to be here," she said, her tone measure

ind it. "I attend events like this often. You

nge in her gaze. "Don't flatter yoursel

d been investigating his company, his empire, digging into the dark corners that even The Conco

intended. He was suddenly aware of how close she was, the proximity dredging up long-buried

r eyes. "Some things never change," she said, her gaze flickering over him as if s

left without a word. Why he had disappeared without a trace. But seeing Elena again, so poised an

he tension between them. She glanced at it, then tucked i

voice suddenly colder. "I ne

not before her eyes briefly met his. That fleeting g

hoped that their reunion would feel like a reunion, something warm and comforting, but i

-

ween conversations, nodding at the right moments, smiling at the right people,

riend, someone who knew him better than anyone else. But now, she was on the opposite side, investigating

lief from the stifling heat of the ballroom. He leaned against the railing

in his pocket, an

. It's i

ed to ask what it was about. He knew. It was time for another Co

ealthy socialite. She looked calm, composed, but Adrian knew better. He could see the flick

ason was about to collide with the dar

-

explosive clash of ideals, motives, and emotions. The mystery around Adr