登入Author's POVThe moment Audrey stepped out of the car, the flashes began.One after another, bright and relentless, illuminating the entrance of the grand ballroom as photographers called out her name from behind the velvet barriers.“Mrs Audrey, over here!”“Julian! One photograph, please!”“Are you two comfortable speaking about your relationship?”Audrey paused briefly, her fingers tightening around the small clutch in her hand. She had attended enough charity events to know how these things worked, but lately, every public appearance had become an opportunity for someone to examine her marriage.She turned slightly towards Julian.He stood beside her in a perfectly tailored black tuxedo, one hand resting lightly against the small of her back. His expression was composed, almost indifferent to the commotion surrounding them.“Smile,” he murmured.“I am smiling.”“That's a rather unconvincing attempt.”Audrey glanced at him. “Perhaps your company is the problem.”His lips curved. “T
For a few moments, they sat in comfortable silence. Then Audrey placed the tablet on the counter and reached for her coffee."I've been thinking about that message."Julian looked at her. "The anonymous one?"She nodded. "Someone telling me to stay away from certain transactions within the company.""Have you received anything else?""No. But I don't like the idea that someone knows what I'm looking into.""Then be careful."She sighed. "I know. The problem is that I don't even know what I'm supposed to be staying away from.”Julian took a sip of water. "Have you spoken to anyone in the finance department?""Not yet. I wanted to review the older records first.""How far back?"Audrey considered the question. "Several years, probably. Some of the financial decisions made before Nathan took over are still affecting the company."Julian kept his expression neutral. "Before Nathan took over?""Yes. His father handled most of the major acquisitions back then. He was very involved in the c
By the time I returned to the penthouse, the sun had begun to disappear behind the surrounding buildings. I unlocked the door and stepped inside, placing my handbag on the console table."Julian?""In here."I followed his voice into the living room. He was seated on the sofa, a laptop resting on his knees. He looked up when I entered, closing it almost immediately."Well?"I tried to maintain a straight face. "Terrible."His eyebrows drew together. "Seriously?"I held the expression for another second before laughing. "I'm joking.”He leaned back. "You're a terrible person.""It went well.""How well?"I sat opposite him, unable to hide my excitement. "Mr Whitmore wants a detailed proposal. They're considering a partnership, and he specifically mentioned working with me directly."Julian's expression softened. "That's excellent, Audrey.""I know. And I think I might actually have a chance of making something substantial out of this.""You will."I looked at him. He wasn't smiling in
It wasn't every day someone reached out with an opportunity like this, particularly someone whose family had considerable influence in the investment community.I was still contemplating my response when Julian walked into my office. "You're unusually quiet."I looked up. "Am I?""Very."He placed a folder on my desk. "These are the documents you requested.""Thank you."His eyes briefly settled on my phone. "Something interesting?"I hesitated before handing it to him. “Apparently, I've been invited to a private investment meeting."He read the message, his eyebrows lifting slightly. "Whitmore?""You know them?""Of course. Their investment group has interests in several industries."I retrieved my phone. "Do you think I should go?"Julian gave me a questioning look. "Why wouldn't you?""I don't know. It's a private meeting. I'm not entirely sure what to expect.""Then find out."I frowned. "That's your advice?”" Would you prefer that I write a detailed report?"I rolled my eyes. H
In fact, I was beginning to enjoy myself."Your wife seems rather knowledgeable," Mr Whitmore remarked when Julian returned.I smiled, ignoring what he had just called me. "I'd like to think so."Julian glanced at me. "She usually knows exactly what she's talking about.""Usually?" I repeated.He gave me an innocent expression. "Would you prefer always?""Much better."Mr Whitmore laughed.I was beginning to understand something about Julian. He knew when to speak, when to remain quiet and, more importantly, how to make people feel comfortable without appearing desperate for their approval.It was a skill I hadn't expected from someone who supposedly worked as my personal assistant.Before I could dwell on it, a familiar voice interrupted us."Well, if it isn't my wife."I turned. Nathan stood before us, the blonde woman still holding his arm. His expression carried that familiar, infuriating confidence."Good evening, Nathan."His eyes moved towards Julian. "Vance.""Hayes."Nathan
“Where you look like you have something to say but decide against saying it."A faint smile touched his lips. "Perhaps I simply have nothing to say."I narrowed my eyes. "You're very annoying.""I've been told."I looked away, pretending to be interested in the television.The truth was, I didn't particularly enjoy discussing Nathan. Not because I still wanted him, but because there were things I hadn't entirely worked through.The humiliation. The betrayal. The years I had spent convincing myself that if I tried a little harder, perhaps things would improve.I didn't want to revisit any of it. Especially not with Julian. Thankfully, my phone vibrated before either of us could continue the conversation.I reached for it. An invitation had arrived in my email. It was from the Sterling Foundation, inviting me to an exclusive charity reception scheduled for the following weekend. The event would bring together several prominent business figures, philanthropists and members of New York's h







