Chapter 10

The smell of freshly brewed espresso and warm butter croissants wafted into the master bedroom, pulling Clara from a fitful sleep.

She opened her eyes to the sight of Julian walking through the double oak doors, carrying a silver tray. He was wearing his cashmere sweater, his hair perf

Chapter 11

The penthouse of the Thorne Developments tower was entirely raw. Exposed steel beams stretched across the ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling windows offered a dizzying, panoramic view of the city below. There were no walls yet, just concrete floors and a massive oak table sitting squarely in

Chapter 12

The grand ballroom of the Pierre Hotel was a symphony of crystal chandeliers and clinking champagne glasses. The annual Vance Designs Gala was the architectural event of the season, a glittering masquerade of high society where millions of dollars in contracts were negotiated over hors d