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The morning of the charity luncheon arrived with unseasonably warm weather for October. Ava stood before her bedroom mirror, adjusting the elegant white chiffon dress she'd chosen for the occasion. The outfit matched her hair perfectly, it was elegant enough for the city's social elite, but not so flashy as to appear pompous at a charity event.Her phone buzzed with a text from Dean: *Good luck today. Remember what I said about being yourself.*She frowned slightly at the message. His warnings from earlier in the week still puzzled her. What could be so complicated about a charity luncheon?Though Kathleen Winters was a bit antagonistic towards her, it surely came from her devotion and her wanting the best interest for the company, nothing to fault the woman about.The luncheon was set to be held at Grandview Country Club which sat atop one of the city's highest hills, its manicured grounds offering sweeping views of the skyline. Ava had been here once before, years ago, when Ethan's
The Web She Weaves"You say she approached you already?" Diana Blackwood reclined in the plush leather chair of the exquisite spa, her voice carrying the satisfied purr of a predator who had just cornered her prey. Several attendants moved around her like devotees, their gentle hands working magic on her manicured fingers and pedicured toes.The voice on the other end of her phone crackled with details she'd been waiting to hear. Each word was another thread in the web she'd been weaving for months. 'How perfect. Everything is falling into place exactly as I planned.'"And the conditions?" she asked, though she already knew the answer would please her. The response drew a low, pleased laugh from her throat that transformed her entire face, making her beauty almost luminous. 'Oh, Victoria, you sweet, naive little fool. You have no idea what's coming.'"Good work, don't worry, I'll make sure you are properly compensated, thank you Odolo." She slid one elegant nail across her phone scre
Two weeks had passed since Ava's first board meeting, and the Cardwell Industries conference room buzzed with anticipation. Today's agenda included three major proposals that would shape the company's direction for the next fiscal year. Ava sat at her usual place beside David, reviewing her notes one final time before the meeting began. "What's up? You nervous?" Dean asked quietly, sliding into the seat across from her a cheeky smile on his face. "Excited," she corrected, though her fingers drummed against her leather portfolio."Why are you still in New York, Mr CEO?" She quizzed the younger man who shrugged his shoulders. " I got everything under control" He replied waving his phone in her face. "Technologia" Ava sighed in frustration, though a small smile remained on her lips, she knew he was worried about leaving her here, she could handle whatever came, but she was still grateful for the support. "I've been working on the sustainability initiative proposal for days." S
The drive to Victor's house seemed to pass in a blur. Victor's penthouse was controlled chaos with canvases stacked against walls, paint-stained drop cloths covering expensive furniture, the sharp scent of turpentine hanging in the air. It was a beautiful apartment where floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaking view of the city lights."Impressive," Victoria said, though her attention was focused more on Victor. "So this is what a famous artist's place looks like?" She chuckled, tilting her head as she took in the room."It's honest," Victor replied, pouring two glasses of wine from a bottle that looked expensive. "I don't believe in hiding who I am or what I do."He handed her the wine, their fingers brushing and lingering slightly. "So, to partnerships?" he said, raising his glass."To taking risks," she countered.They drank, eyes locked over the rims of their glasses. The wine was rich, with an edge that matched the moment perfectly."Show me," Victoria said suddenly, runnin
"Oh thank God you're here" Elena sighed excitedly as she watched Victoria approach the wide lobby. Victoria's heels echoed through the empty gallery corridors as she arrived at seven AM sharp, Elena was already at her desk, a steaming cup of coffee and a thick manila folder waiting like offerings on an altar. "Tell me you have good news," Victoria said, snatching the folder without preamble. "Better than good." Elena's eyes were bright with the kind of excitement that came from uncovering secrets. "Victor Odolo isn't just looking for exposure in the circle, he's basically hunting for legitimacy. Something about his past is... complicated." Victoria settled into her chair, spreading the contents of the folder across her desk like tarot cards revealing the future. Photographs, articles, financial records that proved Elena had been thorough. "He's German-born but spent his early career in underground galleries in Berlin," Elena continued, leaning forward conspiratorially. "Made his
Dean Winters drove slowly into the wide driveway of the Winters family estate which sat on five manicured acres in the most exclusive part of the city, its architecture speaking of old money and established power.Inside the pristine white kitchen, Kathleen Winters stood at the marble island, her manicured fingers drumming against the surface as she reviewed her guest list for Thursday's charity luncheon.The front door's distinctive chimed announcing Dean's arrival. He appeared in the kitchen doorway still wearing his business suit, his tie loosened and fatigue evident in his shoulders."Hello, Mother." He kissed her cheek dutifully. "You look lovely as always."Kathleen smoothed her silk blouse, pleased by the compliment, her beautiful eyes crinkling with a smile. "Darling, you're just in time. I'm finalizing arrangements for the Children's Hospital fundraiser, and I need your input on the seating chart."Dean opened the refrigerator and pulled out a bottle of water. "Can't it wait?