News of my takeover was everywhere.
I was invited to a ball. I didn't feel the need to go but Genevieve advised that it would be a good way for me to meet more business partners.
And so here I was.
The grand ballroom glittered like a constellation brought to earth. Crystal chandeliers cast prisms of light across polished marble floors, and the air hummed with soft laughter and the tinkle of champagne glasses. This was the world I'd lived my whole life—yet never truly owned. Tonight, I intended to change that.
I paused at the top of the sweeping staircase and took a steadying breath. The scarlet silk gown hugged my curves, its off-shoulder neckline revealing just enough to command attention. I felt every eye turn toward me, a tide of curiosity and admiration surging through the room. I had learned that power was never announced—it was felt. And right now, the entire ballroom was feeling me.
With each step, whispers trailed behind: Is that…? Ava Lorne? Sterling's new chairwoman? My smile was small and confident as I reached the landing, letting the moment linger before descending.
Halfway down, I saw him.
Dante Ashcroft
He was known to be a ruthless and mysterious billionaire.
I had never really had an encounter with him,
Since I was always playing the loving sister and perfect fiancé role.
He stood apart from the crowd, leaning casually against a marble column, as though the night belonged to him. Tall, impeccably dressed in midnight blue, his dark eyes followed my every movement. There was something in his gaze—a quiet intensity, like he'd been waiting for me all evening.
I continued my descent, feeling the world shift around me until he stood directly in my path.
"Ava Sterling," he said, his voice low and smooth. "You wear red very well."
I paused, meeting his gaze. "I find red brings out my best angles."
He stepped aside, offering his arm. "May I escort you in?"
The invitation was simple, but the implication was clear: this was his world too, and he was graciously allowing me entry. I linked my arm through his, feeling the weight of his presence steady me.
As we moved into the crowd, his grip firm but respectful, guests parted like the sea, giving us space. I sensed their awe—an heiress reborn, hand in hand with a man whose reputation preceded him. The realization lodged in my mind: this was the beginning of something far greater than revenge.
We reached the center of the room, where a raised platform held the evening's keynote speaker. He leaned in, so close I could feel his breath. "Enjoy the night, Ms. Sterling. The real performance is just beginning."
Then, as mysteriously as he'd appeared, he released my arm and vanished into the crowd, leaving me with a heartbeat of anticipation.