Whispers of Fortune

The newsroom bustled around her-phones ringing, reporters murmuring into headsets, and the faint aroma of stale coffee filling

th a mischievous grin. "The enigma of our age. Reclusive billionaire. You're goi

toriously private, and every attempt by the press to peel bac

s medical bills loomed over her like a storm cloud. Emma squared her shoulders and typed out a rough plan. Step one: find a way to meet Alexand

le cutting the ribbon on a state-of-the-art children's hospital. Hale brooding in a tailored suit, his piercing blue eyes staring down the camera lens. Her research painted a conflicting picture: a man celebrated for his ph

erprivileged children. It was invitation-only, of course, but Emma's mind was already racing. Her fingers flew across the keyboard as she texted her friend

ine made her feel exposed. She tugged at the fabric nervously. "You've got this," she whi

all in warm light, casting reflections on the marble floors. Waiters in crisp uniforms floated through the crowd, balancing trays

fit him like a second skin. His dark hair was impeccably styled, and his sharp jawline gave him an air of command

nerves threaten

courage to approach, a

"Let's take a moment to thank our gracious host,

d Alexander gave a modest nod, ra

sitioned herself near the bar, pretending to admire the fl

lly presented itself, it

ses tumbling toward her. She gasped, stepping back, but bef

" a deep

herself staring into

he stammered, feeli

is tone calm but edged with c

ou. Just a li

ingering longer than necessary. "I don't belie

rt raced.

ng her hand. "Emma Carter. I'

ut he shook her hand. His g

eated. "I hope you're

ice steadier now. "The work you're doin

to gauge her sincerity. "Thank yo

in his expression-like a fleeting shado

it?" she asked. "I'd love to hear why

didn't reach his eyes. "Perhaps another time," he

, leaving her standing by the

had the charm and polish of a man used to commanding attention, but there was something else-something guarded, almost haunted. As she walk

winge of doubt. What if the truth wa