The Billionaire's Forbidden Touch

ary for the upcoming gala. It was more than just a social event- it was a high-stakes opportunity for Ashcroft Enterprises to make connections, c

office, and as the gala drew closer, the weight of the responsibility seemed to get heavier. She knew he wasn't one

seeing John's name once again. She took a deep br

her voice steady but bet

ooth, almost too smooth. "Ho

nerary is almost complete. I've arranged everything according to the schedule you provided. The guest list is finaliz

help but wonder what he was thinking. Was he satisfied with

John said, breaking the silence. His voice was calm, but t

er spine at the way he said

event-make sure it's perfect. I expect you to be my eyes and ea

trying to sound confident despite the

John's voice was back, softer this time, as if the

orrow," he said, and wi

r crashing down. The gala was no longer just an event she had to coordinate. It was a test. John ha

event double-checking every detail. She was used to perfection, but this fel

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reflecting the grandeur of the space. Everything had to be flawless, from the table settings to the meticulously arranged floral displays. Elena stood at the entrance, overseeing th

as the moment she'd been working toward, and yet, there was a gnawing unease at the back of h

me cutting through the crowd like a predator in its natural habitat. The room seemed to shift around him, the energy suddenly changin

face before briefly flickering to the surroundings. He look

der?" he asked, his

. "The itinerary is being followed to the letter. Securit

gaze weighing her every word, his expression unreadable. Elena h

on things. And remember-if something

the other influential figures in the room. His presence was magnetic, as always, and peop

cket, and she quickly checked

private suite once the speeches

speeches were done, John would expect a full breakdown of

t. The gala was just the beginning. John was testi

-

ile guests mingled effortlessly, but Elena couldn't shake the sense of tension that hung in the air. She was h

e was every inch the powerful billionaire-the man who had built his empire through sheer willpower and cold ambi

oding settle over her. The gala might be a success, but what awaited her in that private suite was

rlier message settle heavily on her shoulders. The walk to his priv

could knock. John stood in the doorway, his dark gaze sweeping

d, stepping aside

city skyline outside the window. John walked to the bar and poured

but with an underlying edge. "Tell

tter. This wasn't just about the gala-it was about everyt

hter, determined not to let th

lly. "Everything went according to plan. The guests s

rely studied her, the tension in the r

your words mat

for the first time that night, Elena felt like she was

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tween them stretched, thick and uncomfortable. Elena could feel the weight of his scrutiny, the unspoken judgment tha

t just about the gala anymore. John was a man of power, and she knew that whe

drink, his gaze never leaving her. The room felt

and measured, "you think every

he arrangements were executed as scheduled. There were no securi

er. "That's not the full story, Elena. I can tell when someone's telling me what they think I wan

with her words. "There were a few minor adjustments, but nothing that affected the overall

s presence looming over her.

timing of the catering had been off by a few minutes, and there had been a brief moment when one of the VIP guests seemed less

y disruption to the evening. And there was a brief moment when one of the VIPs wasn't pleas

hers, almost like he was trying to assess her, to see if she was telling the truth. Then, without warning, h

e to the room than to Elena. "A few moments

manding, but this... this was something else. She couldn't help but feel like she was teete

he nerves that clawed at her. "I'm confident that the issues yo

w, looking out over the city as the lights flickered

, Elena," he said, his voice low

ds were nothing short of relentless. And yet, she also knew that she had worked tirelessly to ensure th

y, her best

resolve strengthening. "And I will do everything in my

slight nod. "You're not a fool, Elena. You know what's at stake here. I'll give you credit for managing the gal

warning? She wasn't sure. John's standards were so high, so unyie

ng her voice calm despite the

e again. He poured himself another drink and took a slow si

na didn't question it. This was his world, hi

s on the next phase of their work. "W

eed you to stay on top of everything. I'll be making some changes to the upcoming pro

he meant. This wasn't just about managing events anymore. John was involving her in something b

Ashcroft," she said, her voice steady

ce her. "Good. Because this next phase will test your loyalty. Y

skipped a be

cing as if he were evaluating her in a way

imple. Stay focused. Stay alert. And when the time comes, prove

er what he meant. More than just his

he window, looking out at the city. His posture was command

far from over, and you hav

new better than to ask for further clarification. John had given

e feeling that her life had just taken another irreversible turn. The stakes were hi