Money comes first before love

nroe," he said without tur

en distant yet controlled, as though he wanted to hold her at arm's length. But today? There was

an the space, cataloging every detail: the minimalist artwork, the lack of clutter on his

t, neither of them spoke. His gaze wasn't just looking at her-it was di

d a side table where a silver caraf

ady. "No, thank you. I wasn't aware

desk. "But I assumed you'd be back. Ambitious w

t and her expression neutral. "And men like you don't le

out you. Most journalists come at me with the same tired questions, trying to trap me in soundbites. But you..." He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on

doing my job, Mr. Hastings. If that makes me different,

ow made her more uneasy. "Maybe. Or maybe y

knew this was another one of his games. He wanted her to flin

here to understand you-your business, your met

want, Ms. Monroe?

ersonal, too direct. But she recovered quickly. "

don't want the truth-they want a story they can believe in. Someth

him. "And what narrative are you

will believe whatever they want about me. Ruthless billionaire. Visionary

t just a man; he was a force, a storm disguised as a human being. But she shook off the th

ll matter. And I have a feeling there are plenty o

she saw the faintest flicker of som

aid, his voice low. "You mi

Nick's words lingered, cryptic and unsettling. He was daring her to

and called one of her most trusted sources, a data analy

ckground check on Nicholas Hastings. Everything you can fin

ne. "That's a tall order, Elena. Hastings is

. And

ea

omeone's alrea

r this time. "Got it

ocket. Her instincts told her she was circling something

ht her eye. The windows were tinted, the engine idling. She quickened her pace, her h

s were frayed. She locked the door behind her, d

xposing their truths. But for the first time, she wondered if she wa