The Billionaire's Secret Fiancée

Emily stood near one of the elaborate floral arrangements, casually sipping her champagne while she mentally reviewed the highlights of her

something

ll clusters of guests. Then, like ripples in a pond, the murmurs spread. Heads turned toward the entrance, and the steady

rafted by a designer who understood the art of subtle power. His hair was neatly styled, with just enough disarray to suggest he didn't care about perfection. He carried h

n Bl

the night. His reputation preceded him: a reclusive billionaire, a master strategist, and someone who rarely attended eve

something magnetic about him, something unnerving. It wasn't just his physical presence-though that was striking enough-it was the quiet

and intimidated, unsure why his brief glance had affected her so much.

urther into the room, greeting a few notable guests with firm handshakes and a slight nod. His conversations seemed brief, h

epened. She had a feeling that tonight, Ethan Black wasn't just another name in

thoughts didn't. Whatever happened next, she k

studied the intricate centerpiece. A cascade of ivory roses and blush peonies spilled over the sides of a gilt vase, accen

figure approaching her until a deep voi

is a bit much,

od effortlessly close, his gaze focused on the floral arrangement as though discussing it was the most n

self, collecting her thoughts. "I suppose it depends on the eff

his full attention to her. "That's one way to put it," he said. His eyes,

belong here, she reminded herself, forcing a small sm

ed smoothly. "Though I suppose it's fitting f

eeping back as she found her footing. "I

his tone teasing. "But it

light grin. "And what does th

e despite the bustling crowd around them. "So far, it

h flipped. Was that a compliment? She couldn't tell, and s

voice steady, his gaze unwavering. "W

he wasn't going to let him rattle her. "Apparently, amb

pened. "Two thing

e had expected someone like Ethan Black-if she'd even met him at all-to be aloof, untouchable, someone who wouldn't bother w

aid suddenly, his voice

aught off guard.

press," he replied, his gaze unwa

tered by his observation. "Maybe I just ha

head slightly. "Or maybe you've

xpected, sending a warmth through her th

the focus. "What brings you to an event like th

eadable. "Business, mostly," he admitted. "But

ise yo

rts amused and intrigued. "You'd be amazed what you can learn

gaze. Was he talking about her? She wasn't

ved him away with a brief but polite nod. "So, Emily Jone

e p

e goal for tonight? Meet a future client? Land a dream

a little. "The last one is tempting, but no. Hones

on that made him look surprisingly approa

he more Emily found herself drawn to Ethan's sharp wit and quiet confidence. And yet, there was something else-a dept

fully understand, Emily felt as though she and Ethan were the only two people who mattered that moment.