Chapter 11

A week later, the imposing, composed man sat at the head of the table, surrounded by several businessmen. Files and contracts were spread out before them.

His hand rested on the edge of the table as he slowly turned a page. Then he raised his eyes toward the man seated opposite him.

"I believe this is the final version of the agreement," Daniel said, sliding the file toward him.

Alexander reached out and took the file without haste.

He flipped through several pages, then stopped at a particular clause and pointed to it with his finger.

"What about this?"

Daniel leaned forward slightly over the table to examine the section Alexander had indicated.

"That clause concerns the second phase of the project."

Alexander raised an eyebrow slightly.

"The percentage here is too high."

Daniel smiled, then leaned back in his chair.

"I knew you'd object."

Alexander calmly closed the file and pushed it back across the table.

"Because it needs to be revised."

Daniel chuckled softly and reached for his pen.

"All right. Suggest a revision."

They discussed the matter for several minutes, exchanging figures and notes until they finally settled on an agreement that satisfied them both.

Daniel signed first, then placed the pen in front of Alexander.

Alexander took the pen and signed his name with a steady hand before returning it to its place.

Daniel shook his hand with a smile.

"Then we have a deal."

Alexander clasped his hand and shook it firmly.

Daniel exhaled in relief, then rested his hands on the edge of the table and spoke in a more relaxed tone.

"Since we've managed to close this deal without disagreeing too much, I think we deserve a celebration."

Alexander raised his eyebrows. "A celebration?"

"Of course."

Daniel lifted a hand and pointed a finger at him.

"I have another reason to celebrate, too."

Alexander furrowed his brows slightly.

"What is it?"

Daniel's smile widened.

"My eldest daughter is getting engaged."

Alexander's expression paused for a moment before he nodded with interest.

"Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Daniel rose from his chair and picked up his jacket from where it hung behind him.

"That's why I've decided to host a grand party this weekend. It'll be an occasion to celebrate both the deal and my daughter's engagement."

Alexander stood as well and fastened his jacket.

"A grand party?"

"One in the style favored by the old families."

Daniel smiled as he picked up his watch.

"A large number of businessmen and well-known families will be attending. Music, guests, a formal dinner... Everything will be as it should be."

Alexander moved alongside him, then suddenly stopped.

A single image flashed through his mind, making his heartbeat slow and then settle into a steady rhythm.

Elena.

He hadn't forgotten the moment he'd seen her at Daniel's house. He hadn't forgotten her calm gaze, concealing a pride that he himself had wounded, or the way she'd seemed to be rebuilding her life far away from him... without needing him.

Alexander's jaw tightened. An overwhelming desire flared within him, unlike anything he'd ever felt before—a desire to win her back, or at the very least, make her look into his eyes again.

Daniel noticed his rigid stance and distant expression. Frowning slightly, he turned toward him.

"Is something wrong?"

Alexander turned fully toward Daniel, his imposing figure facing him. The diplomatic calm had vanished from his eyes, replaced by a sharp, determined gaze.

"Yes. There's something I want to ask you."

"Go ahead."

Alexander fixed his gaze on him like a falcon locking onto its target.

"The woman I saw at your house last week... Elena, the tutor. Will she be among the guests?"

Daniel stopped in his tracks. Sensing the sudden weight in Alexander's tone, he looked at him with interest and a hint of apprehension.

"Elena? Of course. She's an honored guest at the party."

Alexander's expression changed. He stepped closer to Daniel and emphasized each word in a commanding tone that left no room for refusal.

"Then I want you to invite her personally. Make sure she attends, Daniel. Don't accept any excuses from her."

Daniel furrowed his brows, puzzled by this strange insistence from a man known for his extreme coolness.

"Do you know her? What's going on between you and her, Alexander?"

Silence fell for a single second, not nearly enough to quiet the thoughts raging through Alexander's mind. His hand clenched inside his jacket pocket before he spoke in a low, deep voice, edged with such possessiveness that it sent a faint shiver through the room.

"I know her better than you can imagine... Elena is my wife."

Daniel's eyes widened in unmistakable astonishment, and he took a step backward.

"Your wife?!"

Alexander nodded, his eyes burning with dark determination.

"Yes. There are unresolved matters between us. I've wronged her, and I don't leave my mistakes uncorrected."

He ran a hand sharply through his hair, then continued, his eyes searching the empty space as though looking for her silhouette.

"I want one chance to put right the mess I left behind."

Daniel studied him for several seconds, sensing the seriousness and gravity of the situation. Then he slowly nodded.

"I'll send her the invitation myself tonight."

Alexander's jaw relaxed slightly, and an enigmatic, dangerous smile appeared on his lips.

"Thank you, Daniel. I'll see you this weekend."

The following day, Elena was sitting with Sophia in a quiet café.

Sophia placed her phone on the table, then opened a message that had just arrived.

"Elena."

Elena lifted her eyes from her glass of juice.

"Yes?"

Sophia slid the phone toward her.

"You've received an invitation."

Elena took the phone and read the electronic invitation.

Her eyebrows rose in surprise.

"Mr. Daniel's party?"

"Yes."

Then Sophia smiled and gestured toward her bag.

"And I have even better news."

Elena looked at her in confusion.

"What?"

Sophia folded her arms and said, "The dress you bought last week."

Understanding dawned in Elena's eyes.

"I thought I'd bought it for no reason."

Sophia laughed.

"Now we've found the perfect reason."

Elena closed the invitation, then smiled.

"Maybe I'll go."

"Maybe?"

Sophia placed a hand against her chest, pretending to be shocked.

"After all that talk about getting a change of scenery? You're going to make me go alone?"

Elena laughed as she handed the phone back to her.

"All right, I'll go."

Sophia smiled triumphantly.

"I knew you'd agree."

Elena had no idea that this simple invitation would bring her face-to-face with the man she didn't know was waiting for just one chance to see her...