Time of the Avenger

f brushes, paint-stained cloths, and coffee cups full to half. Every stroke of her brush was deliberate, weighted with the r

of writing give her the traction she needed to uncover the secrets of her father's business? Or w

hen Sophie received an un

reeted her, smooth and assured.

ed in the other. "It's going well," she attempted to keep her voice

ed. "But I have an offer for yo

ated. "I sup

replied. "It's a small gathering-some business associates, a

d in surprise

alize, maybe even pick up future commissions. And I'd like to

rther into his world, but this was exactly the kind

Sophie fi

d. "My driver wil

et, gazing at her reflected self with a beseeching

r hand, raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with the bla

, but this isn't just any dinner party. It's Ethan

pression, huh? You mean on

exasperatedly, thro

the red dress. It's bold, elegant, and

too much thought. She emerged from her building in the red dress, her hair loo

ills, with tidy gardens and glinting softly in the lights of the night

immaculately, looking every inch the powerful billionaire that he wa

" he said, holding

then slipped her arm through it,

tal glasses and sparkling silver. Dozens of friends congregated in the adjacent room

maining on the top of her back. "This is Sophie Cl

litely as she welcomed strangers

aned to the side as he looked at her. "An artis

," Sophie replied. "I try to convey

ryly. "And what underlying emoti

le as the room fell suddenly silent, t

hesitation, and then she smiled. "Ambition. Curios

h, and Ethan's hold on her shoulder relax

lowed easily, from art to business to world travel. Ethan's attention never wavered

han whispered, leaning forwa

nt?" Sophie asked,

nching. "Not everybody can keep up in this t

adapt," Sophie sa

a blank sheet of paper. "Adaptation is a valuable skill. But it p

, she was bare. But she regained quick

u the same ques

hed into a gentl

Ethan walked Sophie to the car waiting outside. The a

voice softer than it had previously been. "I d

suspicion. "I'm happy to have the oppor

nerable crossing his handsome face before it disappeared.

erely nodded as the driver open

ng. Ethan Hayes was proving to be more complicated than she had anticipated