Beneath The Billionaire's Veil

financial center of New York City, early the morning following the gala. Dora negotiated the maze-like hallways with

ambition-she had got up early. Dora, a financial analyst with a sharp eye for opportunity, had grabbed the chance to network

ague, said, "Excellent pitch on Morrison, Dora." His voice was congratulatory, the sor

n that covered the undercurrents of ideas whirling unde

es mixed in planned anarchy. Dora looked at her watch, a faint reminder of th

er mind kept his name, a phantom presence hovering on the margins of awareness. She had seen him acro

ng with Lily-a name she

ight I heard about th

onse and her lips curve

Later on, coffee? "Yes! I am in n

Dora mentally reminded Lily to meet later that afternoon; her memory already p

away in Greenwich Village. The atmosphere of the café was very different from the sparkling façade of the gala

said, her voice a mix of curiosity and a

pened the evening before. "Adrian Pierce," she said, her voice caug

her look one of rea

ut powerful interaction with Adrian Pierce that had stayed with them always. She focused on the atm

er eyes going thoughtful. "He asked about my job, bu

, be cautious. You understand the way these st

omplexity of desire and aspiration. "I know. I have to

n understanding. Lily was a solid presence, a reminder of the ti

y in amber and gold. With painstaking accuracy, she went over the daily reports, her attent

cing at the clock, she scowled; it was late; the hour crea

ooked through the peephole. Standing on the doorway, Adrian Pierce-an

t and caution, her voice reflecting none of the turb

tenance opaque yet with an intensity th

t better sense, opening the door to let Adrian into her haven. She shu

soon," she said, her voice tinged wit

dn't stop thinking about our conversation," he said gently. "Dora

heavy with unmet questions and unexplored gr

draw around her. "I want to understand you," he said, his voice a wh

coursing through her veins before Dora could answer. Everything else vanishe

heir irresistible attraction threatened to

of anonymity's clinging borders. Their goals were hidden under la