chapter 2: An unexpected encounter

The Donovan Enterprises gala was the kind of event that graced magazine covers opulent, extravagant, and filled with people who wore their wealth like armor. Beneath the glittering chandeliers of the Regency Grand Hotel, glasses of champagne sparkled, and laughter rang through the air.

Felix arrived fashionably late, as expected. His tailored black suit hugged his broad frame perfectly, the silver cufflinks gleaming against the dark fabric. Every head turned as he entered some with admiration, others with envy. But Felix barely acknowledged them. He had long grown used to the spectacle.

"Felix," a familiar voice called.

Standing near the grand piano was Richard Donovan, Felix's father. The older man wore a distinguished smile, though it never quite reached his eyes. He held a glass of aged scotch, his stance commanding.

"Right on time," Richard said, scanning the crowd. "And where is she?"

Felix's jaw tightened. "She couldn't make it."

A lie. There was no 'she.' Felix had no interest in parading a woman around to satisfy his father's desires. But Richard didn't press further. Instead, he gestured toward a group of wealthy investors, all eager to shake Felix's hand.

"Play nice," Richard murmured. "We have appearances to keep."

Felix's smile was carefully practiced. He exchanged pleasantries, spoke in polished tones, and maintained the mask of the perfect CEO. But even amidst the chatter, his mind wandered.

That was when he saw her.

She wasn't like the other women who graced events like these no ostentatious jewelry, no desperate need to be seen. Her emerald green dress was elegant but understated, flowing effortlessly as she moved. The fabric hugged her curves in all the right places, yet it wasn't her beauty that caught his attention.

It was the way she stood. Composed, yet undeniably defiant.

Felix's eyes followed her, curiosity stirring. She laughed softly at something a companion said, the sound melodic. But there was something behind that laughter a flicker of restraint. She was pretending, just like him.

"Who is she?" Felix's voice was low, directed at Andrew, who had reappeared at his side.

"Her name is Elena Monroe," Andrew answered swiftly. "Editor in chief of CityLine Magazine. Ambitious. Sharp. Doesn't shy away from controversy. Rumor has it she's working on an exposé about corporate corruption."

Felix arched a brow. "Is she here for business or pleasure?"

"Perhaps both. But she's dangerous, Felix. The last thing you need is a scandal."

A scandal. His father would call it a disaster. But Felix's interest only grew. He wasn't a man who played it safe.

"Introduce me," Felix commanded.

Andrew hesitated but nodded. Felix's steps were deliberate as he crossed the room, each stride exuding confidence. Elena noticed him immediately, her striking hazel eyes locking onto his. There was no flustered gasp or fluttering eyelashes just a calm, unreadable expression.

"Mr. Donovan," she greeted, her voice smooth, laced with curiosity. "To what do I owe the honor?"

"Curiosity," Felix replied, his gaze never wavering. "I hear you have a talent for uncovering secrets."

Elena's lips curled into a slight smile. "And you have a reputation for keeping them."

The air between them shifted charged, unspoken. For the first time in a long while, Felix felt something other than obligation.

But whatever this was, it was dangerous. Because Elena Monroe wasn't just a beautiful distraction. She was the one woman he had no business wanting.

And the temptation was unbearable .