Claimed by the Hartfords

nto the world of the ultra-wealthy Hartford famil

, and utterly unexpected. The letter had arrived out of the blue, a summons from Alexander Hartford himself, reques

f suspicion. Why her? She was talented, sure, but this wa

n invitation and a warning. She'd heard the rumors about the Hartford brothers, each as enigmatic as the

art; and Damien, the recluse, a mystery even to his own family. Yet, here s

g her from her thoughts. She picked it up, her be

excitement before Elena even had a chance to say hello. "This co

el was right; this was an opportunity most people would kill for. Yet

ice barely above a whisper. "Why would they choose m

ctive they're looking for," Rachel replied, her voice brimming with reassurance. "This is your chance to show the world what

d. This could be the beginning of something new, she

turning teasing. "Besides, who wouldn't want to work for

rd is exactly the type of man who sweeps struggling art curators of

think of the perks. You'll be staying at the Hartford estate

you're right. I can't pass this up." She stared at the lett

"I'm coming over right now to help you pack. And I e

r clothes, still in a state of disbelief. As they stuffed blouses and j

tfords, you've got to be prepared. Alexander, obviously, will be intense. I mean, he'

right? The infamous playboy who's mor

ed her eyebrows suggestively. "And let's not forget Damien,

h. But inside, she couldn't shake the feeling that stepping into

-----

hand and her heart racing. The sprawling estate loomed before her, a place straight out of a Goth

d to see a man standing by the mansion's entrance. His dark suit was perfe

This was Alexander Hartford, the man whose letter had brought her here. He was even mor

d, his voice smooth but unreadable. "I t

g to mask her nerve

turned toward the house. "We have a lot to discuss. The m

rand as she'd imagined, opulent chandeliers, marble floors, and an impressive art collection lining the walls. A

them, revealing a spacious office filled with sleek, modern fur

om his desk. She settled in, feeling dwarfed by the ma

s hands on the desk in front of him. "This project is important to our family. It's not j

ike a mantle. "Understood. I'm here to make sure the

. "Good. I chose you for a reason, Ms. Winters. Your portfolio stood

park of pride mixed with curiosity. "

my brothers as well. Nico should be arriving any moment, and Damien... well, yo

en, and Nico Hartford sauntered in, his easy grin

es twinkling with mischief as he looked her over. "Welcome to t

e as intriguing and intense as the rumors suggested. And something told