Moonlit Serenade.

her instrument, exchanging smiles with the handful of patrons who applauded her performance. Despite the modest cro

hen counter. Rent was due soon, and her bank account was dwindling. She'd been struggling

ed expression. "Hey, Ave, great set tonight! But I know you're worried abo

I don't know, Remi. I've tried every label in town. They all

get it. But we can't give up.

emi's unwavering support. "T

black limousine pulled up outside the coffee shop. T

spered to Remi, her eye

idea, but he looks like trou

he room, locking onto Avery. A hint of a sm

ening, M

oice steady despite the flutt

own Avery's spine. "I'm Elijah Stone. I couldn't help

ith Remi, who shrugged. "Guess we're a

g with intensity. "Your music is captivating, Miss

piqued, she nodded

ah. "I'll just go grab us some coffee," she

in me." He gestured to the limousine,

anger. But something about Elijah's confidence put h

nd wealth. Avery's eyes adjusted to the dim lighting,

t. "Miss Wells, I represent Stone Enterprises. We're interested in s

powerhouse in the music industry. "What kind

oice low and smooth. "We'll provide resources, marketing, and distri

sm kicked in. "W

Wells. We believe in your talen

thoughts racing. This could be the break she neede

ind: "Be careful, Ave. This

I'd like to see the contract, Mr. Stone. And

Wells. I'll have my assistant send over the doc

apartment building. Elijah ope

, Miss Wells," he said, his eyes loc

ar into the night, her mind re

cerned expression on her face. "We

"A recording contract? That's huge! But we need to be carefu

ed. "Alrea

s apartment, the evening's ev

nformation on Stone Enterprises. The company's website boasted an impres

business tactics. Some praised his innovative approa

ned. Was Elijah Ston

eyelids drooping. She saved her r

g deeper. For now,

jah's piercing blue eyes haunted h

wirling with Elijah Stone's enigmatic presence. She tossed and turned,

imed her, and Avery dri

ng Avery's cluttered apartment. Remi sat on the co

awning. "Find anything inter

Some mixed reviews. People either love

"Sounds like a complicated

eady mentally pla

h session. She devoured articles, forums, and social media posts

f business deals and alliances. Stone Enterprises seemed to

s she had. What drove Elijah Stone's ambi

Avery answered, her heart skipping a be

ing our offer. I'd like to schedule

was ready to commit. "I need mo

se. I'll send over the revised contract

mind racing with

r Avery hung up. "You're re

need to know what

nd preparation. Avery pored over the revised contr

ed the meeting, practicing negotiati

, but her nerves still si

ijah Stone again. And t

brate with anticipation as

, choosing a crisp white blouse and tailo

ot thi

glass tower in the financial district. Elijah's assi

" he said, leading Ave

, his eyes locking onto hers. "M

ened, but she stood

ame w