Forbidden Flames: A Tale of Desire and Deception

do. The Kane Enterprises annual gala was a spectacle of wealth and power, Manhattan's elite mingling under chandeliers that cast a golden glow. But beneath her polished exterior, Elise

ander's secretary had made her a target, and Victoria Langston's relentless taunts-You can't have him-echoed like a warni

was surrounded by investors, his charisma effortless, but his gray eyes found hers, a silent pull that made her breath cat

ant for her alone. The compliment sent a shiver throug

tone teasingly formal, though her hea

ned his edges. "Dance with me," he said,

ircling her waist, pulling her close. The world faded as they moved, their bodies in sync, each step a conversation of

e rough. "I'm trying to keep this profess

gaze. "Maybe I don't want professional," she whispered, th

rowd. Elise followed his gaze to the ballroom's entrance, where Victoria Langston stood, a vision in scarlet, her

red, his jaw clenching as Victoria ap

u'd bring... staff to the gala." Her gaze flicked to Elise, dripping wit

she kept her voice cool. "Mis

out of your depth." She leaned closer to Alexander, her hand brushing his

rver. Alexander's expression was unreadable, but he stepped back, breaking Victoria'

h, I will," she said, then turned to Elise. "A word of advice, dear.

Alexander's hand found hers, squeezing gently. "Ignore her," he s

d, Victoria's presence a shadow over them. As the song ended, Alexander led her to

Alexander. But Victoria... she's not just a rival. She's

. "You'll know everything. Tomor

met her, a challenge that whispered of battles yet to come. The gala was a stage, and Elise