Claimed by the Hartfords

dinner was announced, her mind kept wandering to thoughts of how the night might unfold. She hadn't been to many high-profile social

buzzed. It

d immediately, her voice

free this Friday?" El

this is your chance to make a splash! You'll have the Hartford boys' e

'll probably be tucked into a corner with a not

words, you'll be the one everyone's talking about by the

yes with a smile. "But if I end up in some

nce she'd arrived at the Hartford mansion, Elena fe

ks and tried to keep her mind from straying to Friday. She was in th

ooth voice broke the silence as he appeared in the doorway

miling as she gathered her papers. "I h

c," Nico said with a mock-shudder. "He's got t

r everything," she teased,

now it. But he's good at what he does. Too good, sometimes." He paus

a big night, and a lot of eyes will be

s gleaming with mischief. "An

eat rise to her cheeks. "I

surprised if you steal the spotlight. This place

ly, another voice cu

bothering Ms.

his arms crossed and his gaze unwavering. His presenc

was just giving her a friendly warning about Fri

a current of something unspoken pass between t

ching his serious tone.

portant to make a strong impression. This event is about more t

er took his responsibilities seriously, and his intensity

ord," she replied, givin

yes, legacy. And here I thought we were just goi

uckled, clearly enjoying the tension. "Lighten up, Al

ck to Elena. "If you need anything, or have q

a replied, gratef

ng him disappear down the hall. "He's so p

smiling. "You two ar

said with a wink. "But that

lena couldn't shake the sense that Friday was going

-----

ant dress in midnight blue, she felt a surge of confidence. Rachel's encouragement echoed in her

ipped under the door. It was a simple piece of cream-col

d to seeing you

eat. She didn't need

casting a warm glow over the elegantly dressed guests who mingled with glasses of champagne in

a flutter of nerves filled her chest. She was part of thi

on his face. "Elena, you look stunning. Dar

eplied, laughing. "But I

inking it gently with his own. "Here's

e caught sight of Alexander across the room. He was talking to a group of distinguished-looking guests, his posture formal and hi

ons, conversations, and subtle glances exchanged across the room. At one point, she

face with Damien, his usual reserve

" he asked, his voi

by his approach. "It's overwh

to hear. Events like these can feel... discon

ce calling for attention. He stood near the front of

and strong. "Tonight is only the beginning of what we hope will be a lasting legacy, a p

ced at Alexander, Nico, and Damien. For all their differences, the Hartford brothers were unit

cross the room, who gave her a thumbs-up and mouthed, "Yo

e her, a playful glint in his

couldn't ignore the piercing looks from the Hartford brothers and whisper