The Billionaire's Heartbeat

d, alongside contact information so pristine it almost felt surreal. She was sitting at her usual table in The Ar

he kind of thing that happened in a rom-com, not real life. Ava's practical side whispered doubts into her ear. What if it was jus

genuine. He had looked at her sketches as though he'd s

kay, H

posite her. Zoe had her signature messy bun piled high, a denim jacke

a ghost. Or an ex," Zoe te

e herself. "Neither. Just... this."

r eyes widened. "Wait. The Damian Cross? Tech bill

a said, stirring her

you have his card? Did you trip

ir collision to his unexpected interest in her sketch

ts to see more of your art? Harper,

at if it's just... nothing? People like h

e he's just a guy who recognizes genius when he sees it. Look, what's the worst that could happen? You s

solidifying. Zoe was right. She

ing up straighter. "I'

shelves overflowing with art supplies, and her favorite painting hung above her desk: a swirling cityscap

s. Each one carried a piece of her soul, moments of inspiration that she had captured and poured o

folio Submiss

o

is a selection of my pieces, as per your request. I hope they resona

ards, Av

After a deep breath, she clicked it. The email whooshe

herself with other projects, but her mind kept drifting back to that morning and the email she had sent.

ng at the café when her phone vib

ross Subject:

ook as she ope

o

Ha

on I have for my upcoming project. I'd like to discuss this further in person. Are you

Damian

her latte when Ava

es it! "Zoe said, grinning ear to ear. "You're me

? How was she supposed to act? She spent the next two days agonizing over thes

seemed to pierce the clouds. The building exuded power and sophistic

d her with a professional smile and directed her to the elevator. Ava's reflection stared back

allery. The walls were adorned with contemporary pieces, and the view of the city was breathta

ing as she remembered. Today, he wore a dark

, extending a hand. "

ed, shaking his hand. Her voice wavere

, have

er portfolio resting on her lap. Damian's gaze was

began. "Your use of detail and emotion is remar

"Thank you. That means

the city, a space where creativity and innovation can coexist. I want you to create the

unned. "You wan

on I've been searching for. Of course, we'll discuss com

wildest dreams, but it also came with immense pre

he said finally,