the shards of shattered crystal glass. The whole incident unfolded in an instant careless bump, a startle

looked up, her gaze locking with the steely gray eyes of Phil

softened into a crooked smile ra

o spend my evening," Philip said, his deep

as she continued to pick up the glass shards. "I jus

eside her, reaching for a larger s

on't h

up the shard with a boyish grin. "I prom

stole a glance at him-his perfectly tailored suit, his effortless charm, the commanding presence

oke in a lower voice. "You look like you're ready to bo

a hint of sarcasm slipping into her

ing her own in his, the warmth of his touch sending a jolt through her. As she rose to her

he murmured, h

ment too long. Then, with a mischievous smirk, he added, "Although I am curious-d

of red. "Only on special occasions," she

clearly amused.

Lena

intrigue. "You're forgiven. But I have to

s an opulent masterpiece of luxury, with soaring columns, gilded raili

d, squaring her shoulders. "I'm

ty sparking in his eyes. "A w

al at a billionaire's house," she q

learly impressed b

ty fading into the background. Lena found herself captivated by Philip's chari

rrupted by the sharp, com

p, dar

em, her shimmering golden gown clinging to her like liqu

er, his smile tightening. "Y

snapped, her frosty gaze shifting

his is Lena Obed. She's here considering a position with the foun

one dripping with disdain.

er composure, forcing a polite smile

her attention back to Philip. "I

t he nodded. "Of course. I

, stepping back as the two

xchange, nor the possessive edge in Victoria's tone. Who is s

it gratefully, taking a long sip as she scanned the room. The night had taken an

nearly half an hour.

ed toward the hallway where they'd disappeared, hesi

stake," Victoria's

ping, as always," Ph

p. You can't let some distraction je

ip's tone turned ic

snapped. "Do you e

infully in her chest. W

lip said firmly. "I'll

n you," Victoria retorted be

rt racing. Moments later, Philip a

he asked, his voice l

Lena said cau

, his voice low. "Let's just say the

he lights flickered, and the

rowd as a chillingly calm v

n where you are. Tonight's festivit

rushed against hers, his voic

a. Things are ab