Secrets of the hearts

to, but I would either find an excuse not to go or I would send my friend to cover up for me. I was always reminded by my mother to get a husband, and if I didn't respon

d because I knew that the people who came

**

ht of responsibility hung in the air like an unspoken promise. The polished wooden desk, adorned with a few carefully selected mementos, stood as a testament to the occupant's refined taste. Behind it, the high-backed leather chair seemed to c

ompanies, careers, and lives. The CEO's gaze, directed out the window or focused on the papers spread across the desk, seemed to hold the weight of the world. Every gesture, every decision, and every word carried the power to inspire or intimidate, to build or di

radiating confidence and a powerful presence. Being the head of such a massive enterprise was no small fea

echoed through the room. The soft, clear voic

come

er figure was graceful, and her movements sharp. She carried herself with poise-the k

ring capital investment company

ddressed as "Miss." Few dared to refer to th

ka

n elegant lady with striking makeup stepped in. Her walk was smooth-graceful, almost like a run

ey

ekend? I have so much to tell you." Her tone alone said everything-this woman was

s best friend since university. Witty, l

chair, her eyes scanni

r eyes. "You always have work lined up. Come on, Vici-just this once. A few hours won't bring Monroe Luxe

r," Selene shot back, folding h

esk. Her gaze drifted to the planner lying beside her phone. The pressure of deadlines, client meetings, and business report

tered, reaching

heck my s

he said, voice smooth but firm. Moments later, the door opened and the young woman in the black suit stepped in again, notepad in hand, heels clicking softly against the pol

eting team on Saturday morning. Sunday is currently open." Vici gave a slow nod. "Cancel the dinner t

"Understood." As the door shut behind her, Vici turned her attention back to Selene.

tary, Selene's face lit up. "Finally!" Vici gave her a sharp look. "You're lucky I like you." Selene grinned.

ting my 'youthful glow.'" Selene leaned forward. "Or maybe she's just scared of how powerful you've become without a man by your side." Vici gave her a knowing smile. "Maybe. But that doesn't

anaging company affairs was a task not meant for the faint-hearted, and yet he carried it effortlessly. Less than half an hour later, a gentle knock echoed through the room. The soft, clear voice of a woman in her early twenties followed. "Yes, come in," Vici replied. The door opened again, revealing a young woman in a sleek black suit. Her figure was graceful, and her movements sharp. She carried herself with poise-the kind that came from discipline and ambition. Clearly, she was the director's secretary. "Miss, someone from the neighboring capital investment company is here for their appointment." It was no secret that Vici preferred being addressed as "Miss." Few dared to refer to the heir of such a massive empire so casually. "Okay," she said simply, her voice calm but commanding. Moments later, the door opened once more, and an elegant lady with striking makeup stepped in. Her walk was smooth-graceful, almost like a runway model. Under Vici's observant gaze, she took a seat with ease, her smile warm and familiar. "Hey," she said, "you've been swamped with work lately. Do you mind hanging out this weekend? I have so much to tell you." Her tone alone said everything-this woman was close to Vici. She spoke with the kind of ease only true friendship could bring. It was none other than Selene Hart-Vici's best friend since university. Witty, loyal, and always ready to keep it real. - Vici leaned back in her chair, her eyes scanning Selene's eager face. "You know I've got work lined up from now till next week, right?" she said, half-serious. Selene rolled her eyes. "You always have work lined up. Come on, Vici-just this once. A few hours won't bring Monroe Luxe crashing down." Vici narrowed her eyes playfully. "You sure about that? You clearly haven't seen my inbox." "I'm not taking no for an answer," Selene shot back, folding her arms like a stubborn sister. "You've been locked up in this glass castle for weeks." There was a long pause. Vici's fingers tapped lightly against her desk. Her gaze drifted to the planner lying beside her phone. The pressure of deadlines, client meetings, and business reports hovered over her like a cloud. But Selene's persistence-and that familiar warmth in her tone-was hard to resist. She sighed. "Fine," she muttered, reaching for the intercom. "Let me check my schedule." - Vici leaned back slightly in her chair, her

ne, no phones, and zero business talk. I'll text you the address. Let's say... 7 p.m. sharp?" Vici raised a brow. "You sure I'll survive without my