The journalist and the billionaire

Leila Oke adjusted the thin earpiece hidden beneath her dark curls as she stepped out of the elevator into the Grand Royale Hotel’s opulent ballroom.  A wave of warm, perfumed air enveloped her as she took in the glittering chandeliers, champagne glasses, and murmured conversations.

 Men in tailored tuxedos, women in couture gowns, and an unmistakable scent of arrogance all filled this room with power. She didn’t belong here.

 And yet, here she was, walking through a sea of elites, her emerald-green dress hugging her curves in a way that was both elegant and daring.  She hadn’t picked it to blend in.  She had picked it to be noticed.

 Because tonight, she needed one man’s attention.

 Her fingers brushed against the compact recording device tucked into the folds of her dress.  Adrian Kane.  Billionaire.  CEO of Kane Enterprises.  A man so ruthless that even politicians feared him.

 For the past six months, she had been investigating him.  Following whispers of fraud, bribery, and corruption.  In the shadows, Kane Enterprises was involved in money laundering, burying competitors, and rubbing government officials' hands. Leila had uncovered enough to suspect foul play.  But suspicions weren’t enough.  She needed proof—irrefutable, damning proof that would bring Adrian Kane to his knees.

 And if the rumors were true, tonight, he was finalizing a deal that could be the smoking gun she needed.

 “Leila, do you copy?”

 Her best friend and tech partner, Remi, whispered through the earpiece.

 “Loud and clear,” she murmured, barely moving her lips.

 “Good.  Because I just did another deep dive into Kane’s financials, and this guy is bad news.  You will be burned if you are not careful. Leila smirked slightly, keeping her eyes on her target.  “Relax, Remi.  I’m just here to listen.”

 At that point, she noticed Adrian Kane, who was speaking to a senator near the bar. Even in a room filled with powerful men, he was impossible to ignore.

 His presence was commanding.  Tall and broad-shouldered, his black tuxedo fit him with effortless precision.  His dark hair was slicked back, highlighting the sharp angles of his face.  His gray eyes—cold, assessing—swept the room like a king surveying his kingdom.

 The kind of man who could ruin lives with a single signature.

 Leila moved, squared her shoulders, and took a slow breath. She made her way toward the bar, getting close enough to listen in. She picked up a glass of champagne, swirling it idly, pretending to be absorbed in the bubbles.

 She strained to hear their conversation.

 “…mutual interests,” the senator was saying.  “But we need discretion.”

 Adrian’s voice was smooth, controlled.  "Yes, of course. My business thrives on discretion.”

 Her pulse quickened.

 If only she could get a little bit closer— “You could’ve just asked for an interview, Ms.  Oke.”

 Her stomach clenched.

 She made a slow turn. Adrian Kane was watching her.

 Up close, he was even more intimidating.  His gaze was steady, unreadable, and far too knowing.

 Her fingers tightened around the champagne glass.

 He continued, his lips twitching into a slow, almost amused smirk, "You didn't have to sneak around if you wanted my attention." Leila lifted her chin.  “I wasn’t aware I had it.”

 Adrian chuckled, taking a sip of his drink.  “You’ve had it for weeks.”  He leaned in slightly, lowering his voice to something only she could hear.  “The real question is—what do you plan to do with it?”

 Leila’s heart hammered, but she forced herself to stay calm.  “I plan to expose you, Mr.  Kane.”

 His smirk widened, slow and dangerous.  "You must perform better than this." He took another step forward, closing the small gap between them.  She was enveloped in the dark, woodsy, and spiced scent of his perfume. Then, before she could react, he leaned in further, his breath warm against her ear.

 “Because if you come after me, sweetheart… I’ll come after you harder.”

 A shiver ran down her spine.

 Not from fear.

 But from something far more dangerous.

 She swallowed.

 She was in trouble.