Bound by the strings of desire

unched over her easel. The painting before her was a kaleidoscope of chaos: a stormy sea, dark waves crashing again

had t

s, every click reminded her of piling bills in the hospital, those treatments that Lily could hard

he cluttered table and

ut tonight. The gallery

was always so optimistic, so sure that this was

I'll b

night in the downtown gallery wasn't just another opportunity; it was her last. If she di

er place upon an easel. The low murmurs of conversations filled the room, spurts of laughter then talked over each

didn't quite fit, and tried to steady her nerves. She'd pour

glanced at her work, nodding politely before moving on

e the

n standing there; his tailored suit fitted him like a second skin. Sharp featured,

she whi

hung there a moment, then came back t

ore she could reply, he pulled

this," he said shortly, stri

as it? Was he interested

nded in dis

ns. Her chest was empty, and her legs weighed

flickered ominously. Stepping inside, she opened the door.

softly, peering

ody curled under a worn quilt. It sent

wall, clutching the painting to her chest. Tears

t out, expecting another pep talk from C

you have talent. But t

fore she could type out a respon

ne Gala. Tomorrow

ttached, one she

stone

wned by the enigmatic billionaire Mason Blackstone. She had heard whispers about his galas:

would in

they were, why they'd chosen her, but something stopped h

e sprawled estate was a tangle of hundreds of lights, the grand façade

tly, she stood a little straighter because her nerves were raw and

s Ca

stand before her. His eyes were expre

st of glances, he moved aside,

cascaded from vaulted ceilings, casting golden light upon marble floors. Guests in design

a starving artist amidst power

y Ca

ably low, commanding,

of Blackstone Manor, he seemed even more imposing. His presence dominated the

id, his lips curving

" she asked, her

ortly, moving closer.

her heart rate shot th

into his pocket and drew out a card of sh

ion and disquiet churning in h

re was no invitation for

ready turned and melted into the sea of people, leavin

: Blackstone Industri

aze of questions. Who was Mason Blackston

e table and stared at it. The questions could never

as about t