When struggling fashion designer Amara Blake lands a surprise invite to the exclusive Montclair Gala, she never expects to catch the eye of Roman Callahan-tech billionaire, ruthless tycoon, and New York's most untouchable bachelor. Known as the "Ice King" for his cold demeanor and calculated life, Roman has built empires and broken hearts without a second thought. But Amara isn't like anyone he's ever met. What begins as a deal-her design talents for his publicity-quickly spirals into something dangerously intimate. As walls crack and secrets surface, Roman's icy control starts to melt. But Amara has secrets too, and some of them could shatter everything. In a world of private jets, luxury penthouses, and cutthroat power plays, can love really conquer all-or will their pasts cost them their future.
Amara Blake never expected her big break to come sealed in black velvet.
The envelope sat on her tiny kitchen table like it didn't belong-too elegant, too heavy, too full of promises for someone whose world barely stretched beyond Brooklyn thrift stores and her cramped studio apartment. The gold-embossed letters spelled out what she'd always dreamed of: The Montclair Gala. By Invitation Only.
Her fingers trembled as she opened it.
She didn't remember applying. She couldn't even afford to dream this big lately. Rent was overdue, her fashion line was floundering, and she'd just turned down her fifth client that month who wanted a "designer look for exposure." But now this-this was real.
"I'm not going," she whispered aloud, even as her eyes devoured every line of the invitation.
The Montclair Gala was a playground for Manhattan's elite. Billionaires. Heiresses. Sharks in silk suits and stilettos. People like Roman Callahan.
She'd only ever seen him in headlines-tech billionaire, CEO of Callahan Corp, and a man carved from rumors and ice. Cold. Controlled. Cursed, some whispered, after the scandal that nearly destroyed his empire two years ago. Untouchable.
So why was she suddenly being pulled into his world?
Her phone buzzed. It was a message from an unknown number.
> R. Callahan requests a custom gown for the Montclair Gala. Your work was recommended. He will sponsor your attendance. You will be paid. Discretion required.
Amara stared at it, heart pounding. Disbelief swirled into fear... and curiosity.
She should say no. She should protect herself. This kind of offer always came with a price.
But what if the price was her breakthrough?
She looked back at the invitation, then at the frayed sketches on her wall-the dreams she hadn't dared breathe life into for years.
Maybe it was time to risk it.
Maybe it was time to meet the Ice King.