Maple Bean Café. It was the kind of place where sunlight filtered through large windows, casting soft patter

the light, and her bright red lipstick stood out against the muted colors

into a quick hug. "You look amazing

ilt bubbling under her skin. "You look great too,

ow I'll always make time for you." She gestured to th

s. The barista arrived with their orders-a cappuccino for Jasmine and an iced latte fo

ere's this... event I'm trying to attend, and I need to make th

ious smile tugging at her lip

galas, fundraisers, that sort of thing. I've been looking to expand my horizons, and,

ith intrigue. "Are we talking about making c

st say I'm exploring all options. But yes, there's a s

inst the edge of her glass. "You've always been ambitious, Jasmine. I like

uccino to buy time. She couldn't afford to let to

aguely. "I need to learn the ropes-how to navigate those rooms, how to

lp. There's a gala coming up next month-the Tech Horizons Benefit. It's exclusive,

of excitement. "Yo

dismissively. "But you'll need to look the part. No offense,

. "I'll take that as c

wardrobe. I know a boutique that works m

phia's words wash over her, nodding where necessary. Inside, her mind raced. The

shoved deep into the pockets of his tailored trousers. Floor-to-ceiling windows

desk, the tone as cold and authoritative as ever. "You've de

A decision about what, exactly? Selling my s

t love; it's about securing the future of this family. Do you

ir. "I'm not my grandfather, and I won't be bullied

. "If you're not willing to do what's necessary to protect

worked tirelessly to distance himself from the reckless legacy of his twin brother, Jayden, a

y. "It's about control. You want me under your th

accusation. "This is about preserving what we've built. The Russell n

h frustration. "I've built more for this company in five years tha

hat I've said. The shareholders are watching, Hayden. They

nce of his office. He stood there for a long moment,

solidify alliances and soothe the whispers of the boardroom. It w

e pressure mounting around him. If he didn't act, his

. If marriage was the only way to hold onto t

ay the role without entangli

is mind, unbidden and unwelcome. He needed someone who could match him, someon

walk away when t

her yet, but he