The Heart Of The Empire

onstruction team about schedules, but her mind kept drifting back to Colton and their planned dinner. She told herself it was just a business meeting, but something in

professional and presentable, while also fighting the growing urge to impress him. Ultimately, she settled on a classic black dress, simple but

door. As she settled into the plush leather seat, she tried to calm her nerves. This wasn't a date; it was a professional meeting. Yet, as the car sped through the ci

m glow over the polished tables, and the quiet murmur of other diners filled the air. The maître

aded his usual suit for a more relaxed look-a dark dress shirt with the top button undone, revealing a

ng out a hand to pull out her ch

mile. "Thank you for inv

y, settling into his seat. "We

chest. The way he said it made the evening feel sudd

ion veered toward her background, as he'd promised. Colton's questions were probin

t inspired you to pursue architecture? It's not a fi

," she said. "When I was a kid, I'd build entire cities out of blocks and old cardboard boxe

g lasting, something that would impact people's lives. Architecture was a natural fit. Buildings aren't ju

admiration flicker in his eyes. "Interesting. Most people view architec

tiny. "I think there's beauty in the way we shape our environment. Each bui

e glass. "A legacy is important. Few people think that far ahe

"And what kind of legac

asn't used to people questioning him so directly. But instead o

but in business. I built McAlister Corp. from the ground up, and I want it to stand as a symbol of innovatio

tivated by his determination. She understood, perhaps better than anyone

ent with success, but you seem to want more

light smile. "Coming from someone as driv

vorite architects, the challenges of balancing creativity with practicality, and the particular quirk

eeting. She'd never felt this way before-drawn in, captivated by a man who seemed to understand her ambitions as deeply as she understood his. T

his gaze still fixed on her. "Thank you

e the warmth that blossomed in her chest. "For me, too

, don't let that change your perception of me

ister," she replied,

r of something unreadable in his e

ide her, the tension between them humming just beneath the surface. She was almost relieved when they

ia

ith an intensity that made her breath catch, as though he was weighi

illed with an unexpected warmth. "It's been a long ti

his words, her cheeks

them thickening, until finally, he

, stepping out of the car and cl

h a heady mix of emotions-excitement, attraction, and a gnawing uncertainty. She knew she was venturing into dangerou

it was just one dinner, one conversation. But as she lay in bed, her thoughts kept drifting back

y the mystery that was Colton McAlister. For the first time in a long time, she felt alive, as if she'd f

only the