Entwined Destinies:The Billionaire's Reluctant Bride

ght across marble floors, black-tie guests swirled in expensive perfume clouds, and waiters balanced trays of caviar blinis as if the fate of empire

ves like it knew her secrets. She'd pinned her dark hair into a loose chignon, letting a few strands escape to soften the professional edge she usually wore like armor. Tonight s

y on Alexander Sterling, the man currently owning th

lack tuxedo tailored to perfection, cufflinks glinting like tiny blades. His face was all sharp angles-high cheekbones, square jaw,

t we celebrate not just innovation, but responsibility. Sterling Innovations is committing one billion dollars over the next decade to

tainable tech. Right. The same company that had quietly bought out half a dozen small firms last yea

session was announced. Hands shot up like bids at an auction. Sophie waited until a silv

second, something flickered in those gray eyes. Recognition? Cu

er. His tone was polite, but there was an edg

Microphones swung toward her.

ling Innovations absorbed three promising startups in the renewable sector. Founders reported pressure tactics, non-compete clauses that bordered on predatory, and in at least

't flinch. He leaned one hand on the podium, studying her like

uched his lips-not amused, more like he respected the a

. Sophia

bility. Not just to shareholders, but to the very causes it claims to serve. We don't destroy. We absorb, accelerate, and deliver results at

So you're saying the ends justify the

iment. It runs on execution. If your concern is for the individuals affec

ened her mouth to fire back, but the moderator jumped in wi

cing the room without raising

ng. He didn't fail to adapt. He was outmaneuvered. Outspent. And when the dust settled, he

across his face-surprise, maybe even a shad

The words sounded practiced, but his tone wasn't dismissi

thness of someone who'd won arguments before breakfast. "Let

slipped back into the crowd as applause swelled again. Her hands shook

eeded

a slap-crisp, carrying the faint salt of the Hudson. The city sprawled below

hind her. Sh

ser than she expected. "Most people save

ge. The terrace lights cast half his face in shadow,

ost people

unnerving intensity. "You're angry. I get it. But ambushing me in

retend y

I do care about competence. And

Is this the part where you o

ot quite a smile.

ev

his head. "Tell me, Sophia Bennett-what exactly are you after tonight?

he shot back. "And ma

e: cedar, smoke, something darkly expensive. "Justice is a lux

heat of his body cutting through the chill, the way his eyes d

u know me?" s

e words hung between th

ing the distance. Slapping him. Kissing him. B

tead. "Stay away fro

rmured. "You just made you

ing her alone on the terrace with the

chest, trying to slow her bre

id she'd jus