Billionaire's Muse

ing gowns, tailored suits, and glasses filled with the finest champagne. An orchestra played a lively waltz in the background, the music weaving th

ance. He was here for appearances, to fulfill the role expected of him as one of the city's most successful entrepreneurs. The charity gala

ith her signature warm smile. At 30, Sophia was everything Manuel wasn't-open, approachable, and effor

rner all night," she teased.

, his tone cool but not un

be a social event, not a business meeting. Y

dn't quite reach his eyes. "I'll leave the

empire with his sheer determination and brilliance, but in doing so, he had isolated himself. Behind his

Sophia said, squeezing his arm

she was going to get. With a parting pat on his arm, she

-

m her best friend James, was a size too big and a decade out of fashion. The ticket to the gala had been a last-minute gift from a gallery owner who a

s had said with his usual optimism.

room, taking in the dazzling display of wealth. Chandeliers glittered overhead, casting a warm glow over the crow

a glass of sparkling water, she wove her way through the crowd, avoiding prolonged eye contact. She wasn't here

tailored black tuxedo, he exuded an air of authority and control. Yet there was something about his expression-a flicker of wear

eps were hesitant, her heart pounding in her chest. She had no idea what she wou

-

pulled back in a simple style, and her dress, while not as polished as the others in the room, somehow suited her. She was different fr

y. "I hope I'm not intruding. You just..

t off guard by her directness.

in her expression. "Fair enough.

rip was firm, her touch warm. It was a stark contras

, releasing his hand. "Your name's

him. "And yet, I don't know anything about you.

omeone gave me a ticket. I thought it might be a goo

d, his interest piqued. "Wh

th a focus on emotions and human connection. It's hard to explain, bu

her words that was rare in his world. "That sounds... refreshing," he said

flushed as she realized how bold her comment sounded. "I mean, not that I'm jud

carefully around him, afraid to say anything that might offend or ch

ment. "Though I'm not sure how much humani

s their way. "You'd be surprised. People are more than their fanc

ued to talk, the world around them seemed to fade away, the noise and glittering facades of the gala forgotten. For once, Manuel wasn't the billio