Claimed by the Hartfords

mind whirling with the surreal events of the day, the grandeur of the mansion, Alexander's intense gaze, N

irst full day. You can do this, she told herself, staring at her reflection in the grand mirror opposite her bed. She'd chosen a pr

a welcome distraction from her self-pep

tle?" Rachel's voice was cheery, but Ele

shoes. Honestly, Rach, this place is... ridiculous. The staircase alone is like s

ers yet?" Rachel asked, clearly thrilled to

an expensive suit. Then there's Nico, who is charming and flirty to a fault. And Damien? He's the

reclusive brother? Check! You

ck. "Anyway, I'd better go. I'm supposed to meet Alexan

hem! And remember, fir

pent days preparing. She took one last look in the mirror, took a deep breath, and set off

byrinth of ornate corridors, velvet tapestries, and grand chandeliers. The Hartford estate was straight out of a gothic

y, only to hear voices drifti

I hired a DJ for the grand opening." Nic

ce replied, its tone controlled but unmistakably

wanting to interrupt. But Nico's

e over the world. Besides, don't pretend you didn't see her c

d if it was too late to retreat quietly down the hall. But bef

impeccably polite, though his eyes betrayed s

as she stepped into the room, trying to appear

ning as he held the door open for her.

thing, his eyes steady on her as he gestu

nd notebook. "We have less than three months before the museum opens. There are s

I've reviewed the existing plans and have some thoughts on themes and layouts for e

ing her an amused look. "She wants to know

on of artworks. It should tell a story, one that represents the history and legacy of our family. Hartford Enter

the approach I was thinking of. I have so

eaned forward, his intense gaze focused as he studied each one. Nico, however, seemed mo

d after a few moments. "You

thought we could start with an introductory exhibit, a timeline of Har

ut are you sure we want to focus on the past? People love

Nico a look that could have frozen fire. "T

some truth to his comment. Either way, the tension between the

glare. "Just a thought. But hey, you're t

ning to Elena. "We'll need a detailed proposal by next week. I'll expect

d racing to keep up.

f signaling the end of the meeting. "And Nico, if you could refrai

at. "Fine, I'll play nice for now." He paused, giving her a playful wink. "But if

ateful when Alexander cleared his thro

room for argument. "If you're finished, Ms.

wo-finger salute before sauntering out of

ession softening ever so slightly. "I apologize for N

nable to hide a small smile

ow, his gaze sharpening w

"It's a reminder that, no matter how inte

the unspoken weight of his gaze. Finally, he nodded,

e said, his voice softer no

e rumors suggested, each of them a different puzzle she was desperate to solve. As she made her w