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Elena Carter is a journalist desperate for a big story to save her career. When she hears rumors that billionaire Adrian Voss has a hidden child, she knows this could be her chance. Adrian is rich, powerful, and always in control-but if this secret gets out, his perfect life could crumble. Determined to uncover the truth, Elena finds a way into his world. But the more she learns about Adrian, the more she realizes he's not just a cold businessman. He has secrets, pain, and a side of him no one else sees. And even though she came to expose him, she never expected to fall for him. Now, Elena faces an impossible choice: tell the world the truth and risk losing Adrian forever, or protect his secret and walk away from the biggest story of her life.
Chapter 1 Stepping into the Lion's Den
Elena Carter took a steady breath as she stepped into the grand ballroom of Voss Tower. The golden chandeliers sparkled overhead, casting a warm glow on the sea of well-dressed guests. The air smelled of expensive perfume, fresh roses, and the subtle sharpness of wealth. She could hear laughter and the clinking of champagne glasses, but beneath it all, her own heartbeat pounded like a drum.
She shouldn't be here.
Not because she wasn't invited-she had found a way in. Not because she didn't fit in-her best friend had helped her pick out the perfect black gown that hugged her figure in just the right places. But because this world wasn't hers. It never had been.
Yet, here she was.
She exhaled slowly, steadying herself. Focus. She had a job to do.
Her eyes swept the room, scanning the faces of New York's elite, until they landed on him.
Adrian Voss.
The man who held the power to either make or break her.
He stood near the bar, effortlessly commanding attention without even trying. Tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, he exuded power. He wasn't just another billionaire-he was the billionaire. Ruthless, private, untouchable. He moved through the crowd like a shadow, acknowledging no one yet making everyone aware of his presence.
Elena had spent weeks researching him. There were rumors-whispers of a hidden child that could shake his empire. If she uncovered the truth, it would be the biggest story of her career.
One article. That was all she needed.
She inhaled sharply and took a step forward.
The plan was simple: get close to him, make him talk, gather evidence.
But nothing about Adrian Voss was ever simple.
---
As she approached the bar, she reached for a drink, fingers brushing against the cool glass of champagne. Just as she lifted it to her lips, a deep voice sliced through the noise.
"You don't belong here."
Elena's breath caught for just a second before she turned to face the owner of the voice.
Adrian Voss.
Up close, he was even more intimidating. His dark eyes were unreadable, intense, filled with quiet authority. His expression was calm, but there was something piercing about his gaze, as if he saw straight through her.
She forced a small smirk. Don't show weakness.
"That's a bold assumption," she said smoothly.
His lips twitched, the ghost of a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. "Not an assumption. A fact."
He took a step closer, his presence overwhelming. The scent of his cologne-rich, sophisticated, dangerously alluring-wrapped around her like an invisible net.
"So, tell me," he murmured, "why are you here?"
Elena's fingers tightened around her glass. She had prepared for this moment, practiced every possible response. But standing in front of him now, her rehearsed lines felt useless.
Think fast, Elena.
"I was invited," she said smoothly, tilting her head. "I don't see a sign that says Voss Tower is off-limits."
Adrian studied her, his expression unreadable. Then, with a low chuckle, he leaned in slightly.
"If that were true, you wouldn't be standing here alone."
His voice sent a shiver down her spine. He wasn't just powerful-he was perceptive. Dangerous in a way that had nothing to do with money.
She swallowed, keeping her face impassive.
"I like to observe before I engage," she said lightly, swirling the golden liquid in her glass. "Maybe I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about."
His smirk deepened. "And? What have you concluded?"
Elena's heartbeat quickened. He was testing her. Watching her every reaction.
She took a slow sip of her drink, buying herself a second to think. Don't flinch. Don't show your cards.
"That the rumors don't do you justice," she said finally, meeting his gaze.
Adrian let out a quiet chuckle, but there was no amusement in his eyes.
"Careful," he murmured. "Flattery can be a dangerous game."
Elena smiled. "Good thing I like playing."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The noise of the ballroom faded into the background. It was just the two of them, locked in an unspoken challenge.
Elena had come here with a mission. But now, standing face to face with Adrian Voss, she realized something.
She wasn't just hunting for the truth.
She was stepping into the lion's den.
And Adrian?
He was the lion.
Game on.
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