The Hawthorne Foundation Charity Gala was one of the most prestigious events in the city.Luxury vehicles lined the entrance.Reporters crowded behind barricades.Executives, celebrities, politicians, and heirs moved through the grand ballroom beneath crystal chandeliers.The entire venue radiated wealth and influence.Adrian immediately regretted coming."This is exactly why I didn't want to be here."Beside him, Emilia laughed softly."You've only been here two minutes.""Two minutes too long."She shook her head before slipping her arm through his.Several nearby guests immediately turned their heads.The pairing attracted attention wherever they went.Adrian Nightingale.Emilia Hart. The mysterious force behind Orion Holdings.It was enough to start dozens of rumors. Neither seemed to care. But across the ballroom, Vanessa froze and her eyes landed on Adrian.Then Emilia. The sight made her chest tighten but she managed to straighten up but inwardly she frowned deeply wondering

The charity gala ended later that night.After exchanging greetings with several of the city's influential figures, Adrian and Emilia finally returned to Orion Holdings.The elevator doors slid open onto the executive floor.The building was almost empty.Only a handful of lights remained on.Adrian loosened his tie as he walked into his office.He had barely taken his seat when there was a knock.His assistant, Sophie, stepped inside carrying tomorrow's schedule.She was in her late twenties, efficient, cheerful, and perhaps the only employee in Orion Holdings who wasn't intimidated by Adrian."Mr. Nightingale."She placed the tablet on his desk."Your schedule for tomorrow."Adrian nodded absentmindedly. His eyes skimmed through the appointments.Board meeting Supplier negotiations, Lunch with Voltis executives. A strategy session. Then his gaze stopped and be suddenly frowned. "Tomorrow..."Sophie looked up. "Yes?"He tapped the screen. "Isn't that Emilia's birthday?"Sophie's eye

Just TonightThe waiter quietly poured the wine before stepping away, leaving the two of them alone.Soft piano music drifted through the private lounge.Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, waves rolled gently onto the moonlit beach, their rhythmic sound blending with the quiet atmosphere inside.For a few moments, neither of them spoke.Emilia glanced around once more.The moment Emilia stepped farther into the room, she slowed to a stop.Her eyes wandered from one corner to another, taking everything in with quiet disbelief.The warm candlelight cast a gentle golden glow across the room. Fresh white roses rested elegantly on the table, their fragrance mingling with the scent of the ocean drifting in through the slightly open balcony doors. Tiny fairy lights shimmered against the walls like scattered stars, while beyond the glass, the moonlit sea stretched endlessly into the horizon.For a brief moment, she simply stood there.Her fingers instinctively tightened around her handbag.

Daniel forced another smile.n"Miss Emilia."She looked toward him. "I understand you already have plans this evening."His tone remained polite. "But surely you can spare an hour."She raised an eyebrow. "For what?""Our board appreciation banquet."He gestured toward the executives gathered nearby. "It's something we've been organizing for weeks. The board would be honored if you attended."Several board members immediately nodded. "That's right. It won't take long.""We rarely get the chance to celebrate together."Emilia thought about it briefly.Then nodded. "Very well. I'll attend."Daniel's smile immediately brightened. "Excellent."His eyes subtly drifted toward Adrian.Almost as if he had scored a victory. Adrian simply shrugged.He wasn't bothered.The banquet was scheduled to end well before the dinner he had prepared.An hour later. The board's private banquet hall buzzed with conversation.Crystal chandeliers illuminated the luxurious room while servers moved gracefully b

The banquet hall fell silent.Every pair of eyes remained fixed on Adrian.Daniel leaned back comfortably in his chair, convinced he had cornered him."If you're truly as capable as you claim...""What exactly would you do differently?"Adrian calmly picked up his teacup. He took a slow sip before placing it back onto its saucer."I wouldn't begin by fixing sales." The answer immediately drew puzzled looks.Peter scoffed."You just spent five minutes criticizing my department."Adrian nodded."I did.""So naturally, sales should be your priority."Adrian shook his head."No."Peter frowned."Why not?""Because sales isn't your biggest problem."The room grew quiet.Adrian looked around the table. "You're all treating the symptoms. No one is treating the disease."Several directors exchanged confused glances.Martin frowned. "What disease?"Adrian folded his hands. "The company's decision-making."Daniel narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean?"Adrian looked directly at him."Every depar