Golden Heart

th Damien's donation in place, she and Holly were able to launch the initiatives they'd only ever dreamed of. They hired new tutors, organized com

estion to connect her with more philanthropists had led to several promising new partnerships, and his board representative, Julia Chen, a well-respected consultant with years of non

unity center, her phone buzzed. She glanced down a

answered, trying to k

check in and see how everything's coming

ied. "We're moving faster than I

likely wearing. "In fact, I wanted to invite you to an event this weekend. It's a charity

new the Manhattan charity circuit wasn't a world she felt comfort

ly. "But are you sure it's the best use of my t

r argument. "Networking is just as vital as the work itself

into her life unexpectedly, changing everything. She took a deep

she agreed. "

faction in his voice. "I'll send a ca

y, wanting to look professional yet elegant. The dress hugged her figure without being too revealing, and the rich color brought out the warmt

r pulled up, she was as

onors, polished executives, and socialites, all dressed in designer gowns and tuxedos. Grace felt l

effortlessly confident, a man who was at ease in any room he entered. When

er, offering his arm.

color in her cheeks. "Thank you. I didn't expect... all

at. But relax. I'll introduce you to a few peo

know everyone, and Grace was amazed by his ability to command respect while still making her feel like the most important person in

ion, Damien leaned in, his voi

s gaze. "I don't know about that. But... thank you f

r. "I think you underestimate yourself," he said quietly. "What you're

even as they continued mingling, Grace couldn't shake the memory of his words. He saw value

ift toward the exits. Damien offered to walk her to her car, and they steppe

met so many people who could actually make a differe

warm. "People want to make a difference, they just need someon

t. There was something magnetic about him, somethin

lping us," she said softly, searching his face. "I know you be

ybe because, once upon a time, someone helped me when I didn't des

nted to ask more, to understand the shadows that seemed to linger in his eyes,

she said gently, "I t

armth breaking through hi

, a current running between them that both thrilled and unnerved her. For all her misgivings a

ing the silence, "I sho

uctantly. "Of course. Thank

ge sense of loss as she turned to go. But as s

ra

see him still standing

at all, don't hesitate to call. I m

to the car, her mind racing with thoughts of him as she drove away, wonde

Damien Cross had become more than just a benefactor. He was becoming a force