Tides of fate

now. Max von Hoffsten had remained on her mind ever since their brief exchange. His words, his gaze-they haunted her in ways she couldn't explain. As the

though Max's eyes were still upon her, eve

a, you're drifting," he said, his tone sharp but not u

ring a polite smile. "I'm sorry,

sed an eyebrow, his expression impossibl

r, nor had she made any indication that she had even noticed him. Bu

trying to find the right words. "He see

Hoffstens are not just any family. They are part of the old guard, with all the complexities that come wi

out Max that seemed genuine-his smile, the way he looked at her, as though he

there he was, standing a few paces away, speaking with a few other high-profile members of the racing world. H

flutter in her chest. She quickly looked away, not wanting to giv

was t

e as they neared a small, secluded area. The garden was quiet, with only a few other guests wandering through

ce smooth as silk. "I was hoping I'd

replied, trying to sound composed despite the nerves that were c

yes. "I believe in making an impression when the opportuni

erved, yet Max's directness and confidence were unlike any man she had encountered before. The

," she said, gesturing toward the path. "W

he surroundings. Then, as if making a decision,

The garden was bathed in the golden light of the setting sun, casting long shadows and lending an

r is a man of great influence, but you-" He paused, his gaze softening as he look

compliment and a mystery. What did he mean? Was he simply

sure how to respond. "But

"Perhaps," he said, "but there is something about you that feels..

of a practiced flirt. There was something magnetic about Max, but she couldn't shake the feeling that there was m

ening stretched on, but she couldn't stop thinking about Max. What had he meant by "the unusual"? Was it her title, her family

gan to disperse, leaving Diana with a sense of unfinished business. And though