CHAPTER 10 — The Invitation
Lena stepped into Adrian's office, closing the door softly behind her.The click of it sounded too final. Too intentional.Her pulse skittered.
Adrian stood near the window, hands buried in his pockets, broad shoulders tense beneath his tailored black suit. The skyline framed him like a shadow — tall, composed, but carrying a storm that never quite broke.
He didn't turn when she entered.
He didn't have to.
"I heard you didn't sleep."His voice was quiet. Too quiet.
Lena blinked. "H-how would you know that?"
He finally turned. His eyes — dark gold today, sharper than she'd ever seen them — swept over her face. Slow. Searching.
"You look tired," he said."And you only look like that when something… lingers in your mind."
Her throat tightened. "It's been a long week."
"No."His voice dropped."It was last night."
Heat crawled up her neck. She took a small step back without meaning to.
His gaze narrowed. "Don't do that."
"Do what?"
"Move away."His jaw flexed."I don't like it."
Her breath faltered.
"Mr. Cross—"
"Adrian."He said it like a command.But then, softer:"…when we're alone."
She didn't trust her voice, so she said nothing.
He took one step toward her.Just one.But it was enough to make her heart stutter painfully.
"Miss Hart," he said, shifting back into that controlled, CEO tone even though something in his eyes betrayed it, "I called you in for a reason."
She straightened, grateful for something work-related to latch onto. "Of course. What do you need me to arrange?"
His hands left his pockets.
He walked behind his desk, opened a drawer, and pulled out a sleek black envelope embossed with a silver crest. He set it on the table carefully — too carefully — like he was handling something dangerous.
Her confusion deepened. "Sir?"
"This," he said, tapping the envelope, "is your invitation."
Lena blinked. "My… what?"
He exhaled slowly, almost like he'd been holding tension for hours and finally had room to breathe.
"The Winter Gala," he said."You're coming with me."
Her heart jumped. "I— I don't understand. Why me?"
He watched her with unnerving intensity. "Because I want you there."
"That's not a reason," she whispered.
"It is to me."
Her breath caught.
He continued, steady and deliberate:"Every executive must bring a companion this year. Investors insist on it. My board expects it. The clans attending expect it."
Her brows furrowed. "Then why not bring… someone else? Someone more fitting?"
His expression sharpened instantly.
"There is no one else."
The words felt too heavy, too meaningful, too charged.
Lena tried again. "But I don't attend galas. I'll make mistakes. I'm not—"
"You're perfect."He cut her off so fast she froze.
Color rose in his cheeks — barely there, but for a man like him, it was practically shouting.
"I mean," he corrected stiffly, "you handle yourself well. You're steady. You're… grounding."
Her heartbeat spiraled out of control.
"Grounding?" she echoed, almost laughing in disbelief. "To you?"
His eyes flicked down. "More than you realize."
She didn't know what that meant, but it made heat pool beneath her skin.
He continued, voice lower now:"I'll arrange transportation. Security will escort you. A dress will be delivered to your building tomorrow."
"A dress?" she squeaked.
"Yes," he said softly. "You'll wear it."
There was something in his tone — something possessive, warm, claiming — that made her knees weaken.
She swallowed hard."Mr. Cross, this is too much. People will think—"
"I don't care what they think."His voice had a dangerous softness to it."What I won't tolerate is anyone else being at my side."
Silence thickened between them.
Then, gently, as if sensing she was close to bolting:"You can say no."
The words were soft. But his eyes?His eyes were begging her not to.
Lena inhaled shakily. "If you really want me there… then… yes. I'll go."
Adrian's shoulders eased so visibly it startled her.He let out a breath — deep, relieved — and some of the sharpness in his gaze melted into something warmer. Softer.
"Thank you," he murmured.A moment passed."You have no idea what that means to me."
She didn't know how to respond.
He moved to his chair, sitting down but never looking away from her.
"Tomorrow evening," he said. "We'll review the charity proposals before the gala. Stay late."
She nodded, stepping back toward the door.
"Lena."
Her hand froze on the handle.She turned.
His eyes were on her again — golden, intense, burning with a meaning she wasn't ready to name.
"You belong at my side," he said quietly."Even if you don't see it yet."
Her heart clenched painfully.
She slipped out before she could break.
Behind her, Adrian remained still — jaw tight, fists clenched, breath unsteady.
Holding himself back by the thinnest thread.