Love Beyond Fortune

r hand. She had spent hours staring at the name, debating whether to call. What did "Let's talk about

thoughts. She picked it up, her heart skipping a beat

nswered, her v

t's Alex

vely tightened her grip on the phone

k," he replied smoothly. "I ho

said, though her voice b

we could meet. In person. There

could he possibly want with her? She was just a barista with a

asked, her tone sh

" Alex rep

re confused, but curiosity g

Hayes Tower. Quiet. Discreet

should probably say no, but something about his calm confidence made h

rrow.

afé nestled between towering skyscrapers. The shop exuded understate

n in the glass looked as out of place as she felt-jeans, a loose sw

breath, she

ting on the table beside a cup of black coffee. He looked up as

nding as she reached th

slid into the chair across from him.

d softly. "F

he counter. "Order w

aid quickly, not

orward slightly, his hands folded on the tab

ned. "What

ost people miss. The way you capture the city-it's

e. "Thanks, but it's not like it matters. It's just so

asked, tilting h

ed, her frustration creeping into her tone. "

s the problem. You're thinking a

lionaire. You don't have to worry about paying re

ing calm. "You're right. I don't understand your situat

la didn't know how to respond. No one had ever

" she asked finally,

help you,

owned.

go unnoticed. You deserve more

r her life, but part of her knew he was right. She had been settling-scraping by

e we talking about?"

. "Connections. Opportunities. Resources. Whatever you

cing. It sounded too good to be

out of it?" she a

of. And maybe, just maybe, I get to prove that not ev

pected arrogance, condescension, or some ul

lly, her voice uncertain. "Th

e your time. Think about it. If you decide to ta

table. "In the meantime, keep sketching. You

gone, leaving her al

r hand, a mix of emotions swirled within her

she wondered if her dreams might