INICIAR SESIÓNAnd to the strange, unfamiliar warmth that had settled in her chest.She had entered this contract knowing exactly what it was supposed to be. An arrangement.An understanding.A convenient solution to a complicated situation.But lately, Julian had been making it increasingly difficult to remember where the arrangement ended and something else began.Audrey looked at him again.He was staring out of the window, his face illuminated occasionally by passing streetlights.Was it possible that Julian was beginning to forget their arrangement too?Or worse, had she started hoping he would? She quickly turned away. That was a dangerous thought. Especially when she wasn't entirely certain she wanted to stop thinking itNathan's POV Nathan had never particularly cared for society magazines. He considered them unnecessary publications filled with exaggerated stories, photographs of wealthy people attending expensive events and journalists who somehow managed to turn ordinary conversations into
Audrey said nothing.Victoria continued, her attention settling on her. “You've certainly landed on your feet, Audrey. Going from Nathan to Julian. That's quite an upgrade, wouldn't you say?”Audrey's smile became slightly tighter. “I wouldn't describe my marriage in those terms.”“Don't be modest. Julian is quite the catch.”“Victoria,” Julian interrupted.But the woman appeared not to notice. “Although, I suppose one must wonder what a man like Julian actually sees in all this.”Audrey's fingers tightened around her glass.Victoria lowered her voice, though not nearly enough to make the comment private. “I mean, considering your family's money and influence, it's difficult not to wonder whether he's interested in the woman or the inheritance.”The silence that followed was brief. But unmistakable. Audrey looked at her, momentarily unsure whether she had heard correctly.Before she could respond, Julian placed his glass on a nearby table.“That's an interesting observation, Victoria
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







