The Billionaires Risky Romance by Gabriel Praise

Chapter 1: The Strange Encounter 

The lavish show could be felt—the atmosphere was that of power, where stars of the IT industry accompanied stars of the film industry. Above them, crystal chandeliers looked down, creating a warm atmosphere for the conversations heard, mixed with the tinking of glasses. 

Alexander “Alex” Hayes was right in the middle of everything, though it would be hard to imagine him as anything but composed and prosperous. Standing there at six feet two, in a sharp black suit and a tie, commanding attention, he was in the right place. This was his world, and to his mind, he was on top of the entire world this very night. 

“Mr. Hayes, always a pleasure,” a voice said, which interrupted him and brought him back to reality. 

His back was toward the speaker; with the other titan in the industry, a handshake is exchanged with casual business talk. However, as the two engaged in conversation, Alex had the impulse to look at his watch and leave, but as he endeavored to do so, he glanced at a woman across the room. They were discussing something in a low voice. She’s with a small group of people, and her back was to him, yet she’s quite magnetic. 

Before he knew it, he was following her to the kitchen, as though some unseen force was pulling at him. Just as he caught up with her, she shifted a little to the side, and he could see her profile; it was pretty and somehow unrecognizable. She wore her pretty dark hair in an elegant updo; her dress was deep emerald green, smooth, and form-fitting, yet not provocative. 

He did not know her but desired to know her. 

The lady instantly moved from her position and glanced at him; there was instant chemistry between them. Neither did he nor she, both of them not turning their eyes away from the other. That indecipherable look offered him something he wanted to know and comprehend—she was different from the ladies in the room. 

Pump, push, pull, and Alex seized, getting closer, his mind snapping at him. Nervously, she looked at him. “I do not think we have indeed transacted business before,” he said, holding out his hand with a smile. 

Of course, she thought for a brief moment before taking it into her hands. “Olivia Bennett,” she answered, and though there was no feeling of anger in her voice, there was a tinge of curiosity. 

“Alexander Hayes,” he said to her to remind her he was the man she met earlier, when in fact she was fully aware of him. Everyone in this room did. 

“Well, hello there, Mr....” She paused. "Masters, I presume?” He nodded. "So, Olivia Bennett, why are you here?” 

“Business,” she replied softly, her gaze fixed on him as though she were trying to understand something about him as a person. 

“Oh, that serves me right, sir,” I murmured, retreating slightly. “This,” I answered, pointing to him, “is my business.” 

“That I can keep better hours, hence why I could not let this chance slip,” she said with a slightly wicked smile. 

But Alex could go a little further and press on before he noticed that the room was gripping him even tighter. The discussions, the giggles, and all the other sounds became insignificant to me. Just him and Olivia; it was like they were alone, and this was a situation that could alter everything. 

“Perhaps we should elaborate on this chance some more,” Alex said, his tone growing slightly lower. 

Olivia smiled, and finally, for the first time that night, in her mind, she saw something she didn’t know before. Alex felt a shiver of uncertainty. 

A smile flitted across her lips. “I think we will,” she said, and the words that followed her were tinged with defiance.