a's

ys passed and I

rity functions an

peared in headlines but never s

ly seen with his s

s only observing,only w

he was always

event, I didn

secon

urnalists whisperin

", one of t

t? Yeah.

doesn't gran

ss it ben

notebook, preten

an older man,nodded once, then walked

lks", I whisp

ed something on my

attention. They let

owed his schedule quietly. If he

h, I stood somewhere near the back, w

r look

flus

care

me more than if

r event, I met Nina outs

ing,M

ffened a little

tor, heels perfectly aligned, posture straight as a

ually, eyes foward

till played dumb for half a se

row lifting. "You know I'm no

uietly. "R

es

just the two of us. The door close

tings, home. No strange visitors. No leak. No questionable

areful men are usually h

ng," I replied before

ly, not amused,

ild empires li

each floor ticking by. My p

at all?" s

I don't want to force a narr

. I couldn't read her face.

e said,

ked. "

ou're not reckle

m trusting you wi

tightened.

hen stopped between fl

up," Nina said. Big events, celebritie

owed. "

," she continu

lly towards

olled, public and full of masks. If Ryan

r started m

oesn't?" I a

n you'll see how far he goes to m

opened on

said as she stepped out. "This is

a second longer, my

ected. The Hart Group Annual Gala wasn't my usual scene, and now I had to

nothing", I mut

uzzed. It

en I answered. "I nee

ing on?" Her voice wa

Hart Group Annual Gala",

e event. I don't even

e Ryan Hart?" she asked, sharp and impressed."I

o but It's my job."I admit

.." I ran a hand through my hair. "Honestly, I just

why I'm coming over.

ll energy and mischief. She immediately

groaned. "Soph,

es, report and maybe do a shor

aised an eyebrow, holding

t Gala. The CEO himself

nd in, you're dead

want to look like I'm trying too hard. Just...n

cide which vibe you want on that day." She held up a sleek black dress, a

... maybe the black one? Simple is better for

ng there to meet any

be noticed whether you like it or not. But that's not the point

ps. "Okay... y

sity. "What? Do tell. Spill it

strange, but I want to see him. Really see him

you're ridiculous! But fine, I get it. L

spite the nerves. "Thanks, Soph. I rea

g a hanger. "Now go on div

he screen lighting up

d the Gala was tomo

ed every time I

ow? Dress picked yet?"

ah, black one. Simple. I

t. Classic and you'll look amazing without trying too hard. Don't worry,

still crawling up my spine. I had

as also the Hart Family's annual showcase. People like

journalist trying not to stick out

n a hand through my hair. "Okay, Maya

my apartment early in the afternoon, armed with her bag

t?" She teased as so

ge of my bed. "As ready as I'l

aised an eyebrow

let's get you looking like t

reminding her, "Remeber, it's just an event to

l, Relax. You're going to be seen. That's i

ne, fine. But let's k

and folded her arms, eyes dragging slowl

thing happens tonight, don't say