CHAPTER TWELVE : A Dance of Power and Temptation

The gala was in full swing when Olivia Carter stepped into the grand hall of the Astoria Royale, an ancient yet timeless architectural masterpiece in the heart of New York. The golden chandeliers cast a soft, elegant glow over the crowd of power players, politicians, and business elites. The moment she entered, heads turned.

She was a vision.

Draped in an emerald-green satin gown, the fabric hugged her curves in all the right places, the high slit revealing just enough of her toned leg to command attention without trying. Her long, wavy brown hair cascaded over one shoulder in perfect, silky waves, framing her face. Dark-lined eyes, full lips painted a deep shade of red, and skin that glowed under the golden lights—she was breathtaking.

And she knew it.

She floated through the crowd, exchanging pleasantries with business acquaintances, offering polite smiles and sharp conversation. She had spent years in this world, but tonight was different. Tonight, there was an underlying tension humming beneath her skin.

Because she knew he was here.

After making the necessary rounds, Olivia excused herself and strode towards the luxurious bar at the far end of the room. She ordered a glass of Château Margaux, an expensive French wine, and took a slow sip, savoring the richness of the flavor.

"You have impeccable taste," came a deep, velvety voice behind her.

She didn't turn immediately. She knew who it was.

Only when she had placed the glass back on the counter did she finally glance to her left—straight into the piercing blue eyes of Dimitri Stavros.

If she was a vision, he was power incarnate.

Dressed in an exquisitely tailored black tux, his broad shoulders filled the fabric effortlessly. His dark hair was neatly styled, a few strands falling onto his forehead, giving him an air of controlled recklessness. His chiseled jaw, lightly dusted with stubble, only added to his lethal charm.

"You clean up well, Stavros," Olivia said smoothly, lifting her glass in a subtle toast before taking another sip.

Dimitri smirked, slipping onto the barstool beside her. "And you… are absolutely stunning." His voice was low, almost indulgent.

She arched a brow, refusing to let him see how his compliment sent a shiver down her spine. "Flattery will get you nowhere."

His smirk deepened. "Who said I was trying to get anywhere?"

She exhaled a small laugh, shaking her head. "It's a beautiful venue," she said, changing the subject, her gaze sweeping across the room.

Dimitri leaned back slightly, his sharp eyes assessing her. " you appreciate architecture?"

"I appreciate anything built to last," Olivia replied, tilting her chin up slightly.

That seemed to amuse him. "Come," he said suddenly, standing and offering his arm. "Let me show you around."

She hesitated for only a second before sliding off her seat, ignoring the way her pulse quickened when his hand brushed against her back as he led her away from the crowd.

—

The corridors were quieter, illuminated by golden sconces that cast an almost intimate glow against the ancient walls. Dimitri walked beside Olivia, his hands in his pockets, his movements relaxed yet commanding.

"The Astoria Royale was built in 1890," he began, his voice deep, rich with authority. "Designed by a French architect who understood the balance of beauty and strength. Every archway, every carving—crafted with precision, meant to stand the test of time."

Olivia ran her fingers lightly over the polished stone wall. "Impressive," she murmured.

Dimitri turned slightly toward her. "I like things that don't break easily."

There it was. The subtle challenge beneath his words.

She met his gaze, her heart beating a little too fast. "Good for you, but Carter Wave Solutions is not something you can mold into your empire."

He exhaled a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "You're persistent. I'll give you that."

"And you're arrogant," Olivia shot back, stepping ahead of him slightly.

Dimitri's smirk faded, replaced by something sharper. He took a step closer, invading her space, and Olivia's breath hitched.

"You think I'm arrogant?" he murmured, his voice dropping to something almost dangerous. "I call it knowing what I want and taking it."

The air between them shifted.

Her skin burned where his presence loomed close. Her face flushed, her pulse erratic. Her breasts tingled, and an unfamiliar heat coiled low in her stomach.

Dimitri noticed.

His smirk returned, slow, knowing. His piercing blue eyes dragged over her face, her lips, before locking onto hers again.

"Careful, Olivia," he murmured, his voice a dark caress. "You might enjoy the chase more than you think."

Her fingers curled at her sides, desperate to steady herself. But there was no steadying the storm that Dimitri Stavros had brought into her world.

Still, she lifted her chin defiantly. "Carter Wave Solutions will never belong to you."

Dimitri studied her for a long moment, then leaned in just enough that she felt his breath near her ear.

"We'll see."

He pulled back, slipping his hands into his pockets with effortless confidence. His eyes gleamed with amusement, but beneath it, there was something raw, unspoken.

Attraction. Hunger.

Olivia swallowed, but her throat was dry.

Dimitri smirked. "Till we meet again, Miss Carter."

Then, with a final glance—all power, all dominance—he turned and walked away.

Leaving Olivia standing the

re, her heart racing, her skin burning, and for the first time in her life—completely unsettled.