The Billionaire Forbidden Conquest

tened her grip on her umbrella as she hurried down the slick sidewalk, her heels clicking against the pavement. The storm had rolled in unexpectedly, and now she was late-something she

r like a luxurious embrace. The lobby was a whirlwind of chatter and clinking glasses, the air thick with expensive perfume and ambition. Elena handed her coat to the attendant and straightened her shoulders. *Time to play the game.* She grabbed a champagne flute from a passing waiter and wove through the crowd, her eyes scanning for any sign of Dominic. She'd studied every photo, every interview-she knew the sharp angles of his jaw, the way his dark hair always looked slightly tousled, as if he'd just run a hand through it in frustration. And then-*there he was.* Dominic stood near the grand staircase, surrounded by a group of investors hanging onto his every word. He wore a tailored black tuxedo that emphasized his broad shoulders, his stance relaxed yet commanding. Even from across the room, she could feel the magnetic pull of him. Elena took a sip of champagne, her pulse quickening. *This was it.* She moved toward him, her steps deliberate. But before she could reach him, a familiar voice froze her in her tracks. *"Elena?"* She turned, her stomach dropping. *No. No, no, no.* Standing a few feet away was **Daniel Hartman**-her ex-fiancé. The man she hadn't seen since he'd called off their engagement two years ago. He looked the same-sandy blond hair, boyish smile-but the sight of him sent a sharp pang through her chest. "What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice tighter than she intended. Daniel's smile faltered. "I work for *Forbes* now. I could ask you the same thing." Elena forced a smile. "Working." His eyes flicked over her shoulder, and his expression shifted. "Ah. I see." She didn't have to turn around to know who he was looking at