Comeback Of The Adored Heiress
Love Unbreakable
Bound By Love: Marrying My Disabled Husband
Unspoken Hearts: My Neglected Mute Wife's Escape
Return, My Love: Wooing the Neglected Ex-Wife
Moonlit Desires: The CEO's Daring Proposal
Love After Divorce
Tears Of The Moon: A Dance With Lycan Royalty
A Second Chance With My Billionaire Love
Unshackled Brilliance: Catching The CEO's Eye
The first colors of dusk glowed softly over the busy streets below New York City from the heavens above. Her heels tapping the ground, Dora Collins rushed toward the Manhattan Charity Gala's grand entrance. Tonight was more than just another event on the social calendar; it was a chance to network and create relationships that may advance her in the competitive field of finance.
Dora was both excited and determined as soon as she entered the lavish ballroom, which had elaborate floral arrangements and glittering lights. She moved through the throng with trained simplicity, her eyes darting the space for known people and possible encounters.
She saw Lily, her friend and confidante, animatedly chatting with some executives near the bar. Dora walked over, a grin playing on her lips as she quickly hugged Lily.
Dora said, looking at her friend's graceful gown, "Lily, you look stunning."
Lily laughed—a tinkling sound filling the room. "And you, sweetheart, seem to be in business tonight. All set to appeal your way to the summit?
Dora nodded gently. "ALWAYS." She looked about the room, her eyes resting on the VIP section where the elite of the city mixed freely. Among them she observed a man whose presence appeared to exude confidence and strength.
Naturally, Dora knew about him previously. His name usually filled the pages of financial periodicals, backed by stories of strategic takeovers and large investments. In the business sector, he was a strong force with a keen intelligence and merciless commercial sense.
Their eyes locked momentarily across the room, Dora felt a rush of something strange—a spark of inquiry mingled with fear. She turned her eyes away, telling herself to pay attention to her evening goals. Her first concerns were networking, building relationships, and advancing her profession.
But fate had other ideas as the evening drew on.
Dora was dragged into talks with powerful people about investing techniques and industry trends. With every conversation, her confidence increased; her thinking sharpened and her arguments became exact. She was in her element, flourishing among the gala's competitive scene.
Dora saw Adrian Pierce once more during an evening lull when she excused herself to the balcony for some alone time. His profile lit by the metropolitan skyline, he stood against the railing.
Dora stopped momentarily, not knowing whether to go up to him. Still, something drove her forward—a mix of curiosity and a need to know the man behind the strong reputation.
Though short, their exchange had underlying tension. Adrian's manner was calm and understated; his remarks measured yet with a trace of mystery. Inquiring about her profession, aspirations, and understated curiosity that both troubled and piqued Dora, he probed her under surface level.
Dora saw a flutter of vulnerability in Adrian as they spoke—a brief moment when his guard dropped to show the guy behind the millionaire front. It was sufficient to stimulate her curiosity and set off feelings she had not expected.
The moment faded before long, Adrian nodded politely to excuse himself. Dora watched him withdraw into the gala, a whirl of contradictory ideas racing through her brain. She couldn't dispute the effect he had on her or the way his absence persisted long after he left.
Dora found herself preoccupied when she returned inside the gala, which was at full tilt. Her ideas kept returning to Adrian Pierce, to the mystery he stood for and the unresolved issues all around him.