Chasing His Shadows

ilt from nothing. But tonight, it felt hollow, a glittering façade that failed to distract him from the woman who had invaded his thoughts. He leaned back in his le

r anything. In fact, she'd seemed as desperate to escape her reality as he had. And that made her unforgettable. The next morning, Margaret walked into the offices of Duvall Enterprises, clutching her portfolio like a lifeline. This was a career-defining moment, a chance to prove herself in a world dominated by giants. She had spent years clawing her way up the ladder in the tech industry, and now, she was about to present her ideas to one of the most powerful companies in the field. The lobby was as intimidating as she'd imagined-sleek, modern, and bustling with efficiency. Margaret squared her shoulders, reminding herself that she belonged here. "You must be Margaret Stone," a crisp voice said. Margaret turned to see a polished woman in a navy suit. "Yes, that's me," she said, offering her hand. "I'm Julia, Mr. Duvall's executive assistant. I'll take you up to the conference room." As they rode the elevator, Margaret couldn't help but feel a flutter of nerves. She had prepared for weeks, but the thought of meeting Alexander Duvall-the enigmatic billionaire behind the empire-was daunting. His reputation preceded him: brilliant, ruthless, and utterly untouchable. When the elevator doors opened, Julia led her to a sleek boardroom. Margaret stepped inside, her breath catching as she took in the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked the city, the morning sunlight casting a golden glow over the room. And then she saw him. Alexander Duvall stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding and magnetic. He was exactly as she had imagined-sharp suit, dark hair