Chapter 5

Elena couldn't prevent thinking about the invitation as she rode the elevator down to the lobby. The Metropolitan Museum occasion loomed in her mind, mixing pleasure with a twinge of tension. Being Alexander's guest became greater than simply an honour. It changed into an entry into an international she wasn't positive she was ready for.

As she stepped out of the elevator, her telephone buzzed. Textual content from Claire popped up:

Liquids at Lux tonight? We want to unwind.

Elena smiled, grateful for the distraction. Depends on me. See you there at eight, she spoke back, hoping a night out could help her clear her head.

Lux turned into one of the most popular spots within the town, a rooftop bar with lovely perspectives of the skyline. By the time Elena arrived, the region was humming with strength. She noticed Claire at a desk close to the edge, sipping on a cocktail and speaking to Mason.

"Howdy, there she is!" Claire called out as Elena approached. "Long day?"

"You haven't any concept," Elena spoke back, sliding right into a chair. "This undertaking is starting to be more intense than I expected."

Mason raised his glass in a settlement. "Welcome to the sector of Voss companies, in which nothing is ever easy."

Claire laughed. "But that's what makes it amusing, right? High stakes, high rewards."

Elena nodded, although her mind had been still on Alexander's invitation. "Speaking of high stakes, Alexander invited me to the Metropolitan Museum event the subsequent week."

Both Claire and Mason stopped, their expressions turning extreme.

"That's a big deal, Elena," Claire stated, leaning in. "It's no longer only a social event. It's in which the real electricity players come out to play."

Mason nodded. "She's proper. This isn't pretty much you being a part of the project. It displays you as a rising celebrity in the employer. You'll be under a lot of scrutiny."

Elena swallowed, the burden of their phrases settling in. "I recognize. That's why I'm frightened. I imply, why me? I'm only a dressmaker."

Claire placed a reassuring hand on Elena's arm. "You're more than just a dressmaker, Elena. You've impressed Alexander, and that's not easy to do now. But, you need to be organized. This event may want to enhance both your profession and..."

"Or?" Elena prompted, her heart skipping a beat.

"Or it may post you within the crosshairs of folks that don't want to see you be triumphant," Mason finished his tone grave. "Workplace politics don't stop at the office."

Elena's thoughts raced. Everybody was so focused on the assignment that she hadn't considered the wider implications. "So, what do I need to do?"

Claire smiled, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Be yourself; however, be cautious. Hold your eyes and ears open. And most significantly, don't allow anyone to intimidate you."

Less complicated stated than done, Elena notion, but she nodded beside. "Thanks, guys. I'll keep that in mind."

They spent the relaxation of the evening chatting about lighter topics, but Elena couldn't shake the sensation that something changed into transferring in her world. As she headed home, the town lighting fixtures blurring past her inside the taxi, she knew one aspect for certain—anything was coming, she had to be geared up.

The days leading up to the occasion are handed in a blur of conferences and late nights in the workplace. Elena threw herself into the revisions for the Voss Tower and decided to show herself. She knew this was her hazard to show Alexander and the relaxation of the company that she ought to deal with whatever demanding situations got her way.

But below her recognition, there has been a constant undercurrent of anxiety. She hadn't seen much of Alexander given their ultimate assembly, but his presence appeared to linger in every nook of the workplace. She ought to feel his impact on the way people spoke to her, in the subtle modifications in their attitudes.

On the morning of the occasion, Elena awakened with a knot in her stomach. She stared at her mirrored image in the reflection, looking to push down the nerves that threatened to overwhelm her. This night turned into crucial, and she or he needed to be at her best.

Her smartphone buzzed, pulling her out of her mind. It turned into a message from David: accurate good fortune tonight. Keep in mind, plan B if matters get problematic.

Elena smiled, appreciating the aid. Thank you, David. I'll keep that in mind.

The Metropolitan Museum was breathtaking. The grand hall changed into full of New York's elite, all dressed to electrify. Elena took a deep breath, reminding herself that she belonged right here. She spotted Alexander across the room, engaged in a verbal exchange with a set of crucial-looking humans. He glanced up, caught her eye, and gave a small nod.

"Elena," a voice stated from behind her. She began to look at Lydia, wearing a lovely black robe, her common sharpness softened using a heat smile.

"Lydia, your appearance is amazing," Elena said, looking to fit her tone.

Lydia's smile widened. "Thank you. You're pretty the sight yourself. How are you keeping up?"

"I'm dealing with it," Elena spoke back, hoping her nerves didn't show.

"desirable. Just consider that this night is as much staring at as it's far from being visible. Pay attention to who's talking to whom. It's all part of the game," Lydia stated, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

Elena nodded, taking in Lydia's words. "I'll do my best."

"Don't worry," Lydia stated, her smile returning. "You'll be quality. Simply live near Alexander. He's the safest guess in a room like this."

Before Elena could respond, Alexander seemed beside her. "Lydia, always a delight," he said easily. "But if you'll excuse us, I want to borrow Elena for a moment."

Lydia gave a knowing smile. "Of course, revel in the night, each of you."

As they walked away, Alexander leaned in towards Elena. "How are you feeling?"

"a bit out of my intensity," Elena admitted, keeping her voice low.

Alexander chuckled. "That's herbal. However, consider that you're here because you've earned it. Don't allow all of us to make your experience in any other case."

Elena nodded, his phrases giving her a small boost of self-assurance. They endured strolling through the gang, stopping occasionally as Alexander brought her to numerous influential figures. She ought to sense the eyes of the room on her, assessing, judging.

At one factor, they reached a huge portrait that had a small organization collected around it. Alexander paused, his eyes narrowing barely.

"what is it?" Elena requested, sensing his shift in temper.

Alexander grew to become to her, his expression unreadable. "This portrays… It was commissioned by my father. It's one of the few things he left behind that I still recognize."

Elena studied the painting, a combination of abstract shapes and ambitious shades that appeared to inform a tale of struggle and backbone. "It's beautiful," she said softly.

"Sure, it is," Alexander answered, his voice tinged with something she couldn't place. "My father changed into a complicated man. He built this company from the ground up, but it got here at a cost. He valued strength specifically, and he didn't tolerate weakness."

Elena glanced at him, sensing that he was something essential. "and you? Do you experience the same thing?"

Alexander's gaze shifted to hers, extreme and searching. "I trust in energy. However, I also have the consistent ability. My father's methods were powerful, however they weren't sustainable. I want Voss Enterprises to be specific. Robust, however additionally adaptable, Resilient"

Elena nodded, feeling a deeper know-how of the man she worked for. "I assume you're on the proper path."

A small smile touched his lips. "I hope so. And I'm counting on you to help me get there."

Earlier than she should respond, a person approached them, his presence commanding interest. "Alexander, it's been too lengthy."

Alexander turned, his expression moving to one of polite warm temperature. "Jonathan, proper to see you. That is Elena, considered one of our top designers."

The man, Jonathan, smiled and waved a hand. "A satisfaction to satisfy you, Elena, I've heard it matters."

Elena shook his hand, feeling the weight of his gaze. "Thank you. It's an honour to be here."

As the 2 men commenced to speak about enterprise, Elena observed herself looking at the room, taking within the dynamics that Lydia had mentioned. The way people interacted, the diffused energy performed, the alliances—it was all there, hidden under the surface.

And then, she observed a person looking at her from across the room. A tall, placed girl with darkish eyes and an understanding smile. Their eyes met, and for a moment, Elena felt a kickback run down her backbone.

"Who is that?" she requested Alexander, nodding subtly inside the woman's path.

Alexander observed her gaze, his expression darkening. "That's Vivienne Hart. She's… a person you ought to be careful around."

"Why?" Elena requested, her curiosity piqued

"Vivienne has a way of getting what she desires, irrespective of the value," Alexander stated, his voice low. "And proper now, I have a feeling she wishes something from you."

Elena's heart skipped a beat. "From me?"

"Sure," Alexander stated, his tone critical. "live near me tonight, Elena. There's extra taking place right here than meets the eye."

As the night showed off, Elena couldn't shake the sensation that she was in the centre of something a lot larger than herself. The glitz and glamour of the event couldn't mask the underlying anxiety, the feeling that each interaction became a flow in a bigger recreation.

And as she left the museum that night,