Claimed by the Hartfords
mind whirling with the surreal events of the day, the grandeur of the mansion, Alexander's intense gaze, N
rst full day. You can do this, she told herself, staring at her reflection in the grand mirror opposite her bed. She'd chosen a prof
a welcome distraction from her self-pep
tle?" Rachel's voice was cheery, but Ele
shoes. Honestly, Rach, this place is... ridiculous. The staircase alone is like s
ers yet?" Rachel asked, clearly thrilled to
an expensive suit. Then there's Nico, who is charming and flirty to a fault. And Damien? He's the
reclusive brother? Check! You
ck. "Anyway, I'd better go. I'm supposed to meet Alexan
hem! And remember, fir
pent days preparing. She took one last look in the mirror, took a deep breath, and set off
byrinth of ornate corridors, velvet tapestries, and grand chandeliers. The Hartford estate was straight out of a gothic
y, only to hear voices drifti
I hired a DJ for the grand opening," Nic
ce replied, its tone controlled but unmistakably
wanting to interrupt. But Nico's
e over the world. Besides, don't pretend you didn't see her c
d if it was too late to retreat quietly down the hall. But bef
impeccably polite, though his eyes betrayed s
as she stepped into the room, trying to appear
ning as he held the door open for her.
thing, his eyes steady on her as he gestu
nd notebook. "We have less than three months before the museum opens. There are s
I've reviewed the existing plans and have some thoughts on themes and layouts for e
ing her an amused look. "She wants to know
on of artworks. It should tell a story one that represents the history and legacy of our family. Hartford Enterp
the approach I was thinking of. I have so
eaned forward, his intense gaze focused as he studied each one. Nico, however, seemed mo
d after a few moments. "You
thought we could start with an introductory exhibit, a timeline of Har
ut are you sure we want to focus on the past? People love
Nico a look that could have frozen fire. "T
some truth to his comment. Either way, the tension between the
glare. "Just a thought. But hey, you're t
ning to Elena. "We'll need a detailed proposal by next week. I'll expect
d racing to keep up.
f signaling the end of the meeting. "And Nico, if you could refrai
at. "Fine, I'll play nice for now." He paused, giving her a playful wink. "But if
ateful when Alexander cleared his thro
room for argument. "If you're finished, Ms.
wo-finger salute before sauntering out of
ession softening ever so slightly. "I apologize for N
le to hide a small smile. "I a
ow, his gaze sharpening w
"It's a reminder that, no matter how inte
the unspoken weight of his gaze. Finally, he nodded,
e said, his voice softer no
e rumors suggested, each of them a different puzzle she was desperate to solve. And as she made h