By eight o'clock that evening, Benjamin's house was already filled with the sound of conversation.Desmond arrived first, followed by Enzo and Matteo a few minutes later. By the time the four men settled around the poker table, drinks had been poured, plates of food had been arranged nearby, and the evening was underway.Desmond picked up his cards and looked at them."Not bad."Benjamin glanced at him."You've said that before losing.""I don't remember that.""You lost four hands in a row.""That was a different night."Enzo laughed."He's already making excuses."Matteo looked at his cards."Can we just play?"They did.The first few hands passed with the usual concentration, followed by laughter whenever someone made a questionable move.Benjamin leaned back after winning a hand."Too easy."Desmond stared at him."Enjoy it while it lasts.""That's what you said five minutes ago."Enzo laughed."Leave him alone. He's feeling himself tonight."Matteo shook his head."That's because

"Yes.""That's considerably more than the original parcel.""It is," Isabella replied. "During the negotiations, the owners became willing to include the adjoining parcels as part of the transaction. Once we reviewed the opportunity, we felt it made more sense to acquire the entire area rather than build around privately owned land that could restrict the development later."Benjamin nodded slowly."That should be part of the master plan.""It will be."He looked at Desmond."You've been following the negotiations with Isabella. What else do I need to know?"Desmond opened his folder."The acquisition gives us considerably more flexibility. The original concept was already ambitious, but with forty-five hectares, we can separate the different parts of the development more effectively."Benjamin waited."We could have the residential areas set farther back from the main commercial activity, while the hotels, restaurants and retail spaces can be concentrated closer to the areas with the

The executive meeting had just come to an end.Benjamin closed the folder in front of him and leaned back in his chair. The discussion had lasted longer than expected, but they had covered everything on the agenda. Desmond was gathering his papers, while Elio and Luca were doing the same.Alonzo remained seated.Benjamin noticed it but said nothing.Alonzo finally pushed his chair back and stood."Before we leave, I need to talk to you all about something."The others stopped what they were doing.Benjamin looked up at him."All right."Alonzo remained standing for a moment, then looked around the table."I've decided to resign from Valmont."The room went quiet.Benjamin's expression changed immediately.Desmond stopped gathering his papers. Elio looked up from the folder in his hands, while Luca leaned back slightly in his chair."You're resigning?" Desmond asked.Alonzo nodded."Yes."Benjamin studied him for a few seconds."All right. Sit down."Alonzo sat again.Benjamin rested h

Benjamin looked at the time in the corner of his computer screen. It was already past ten. On the screen, Desmond and Lorenzo were still connected to the conference call.Benjamin leaned back in his chair.“I think we have covered the main points,” he said. “The position needs to be filled properly, not quickly. Alonzo is staying through the transition, so there is no reason to force the process.”Desmond nodded from his screen.“I agree. The COO will be working closely with both of us. Whoever comes in needs to understand how the group operates, not just have a good résumé.”Lorenzo folded his hands in front of him.“That is exactly why I think we should keep the search open, but I would also suggest that we approach a few people directly.”Benjamin looked at him.“Do you have someone in mind?”“Two people, actually.”Desmond raised his eyebrows slightly.Lorenzo continued.“I know two executives whose backgrounds could fit what we're looking for. Both have experience at senior mana

Bianca’s nails bit into his shoulders. “Good.”He pulled away, and for a split second her face fell—then she watched him reach for the nightstand drawer, and understanding softened her features into something hungrier. The drawer slid open with a wooden rasp. He fumbled for the small square foil, found it, and tore it open with his teeth. The sound was sharp and deliberate in the quiet room.Bianca lay back against the pillows, breathing hard, her legs still open. “Hurry,” she whispered.Benjamin didn’t hurry. Not exactly. He rolled the condom down over his length with a slowness that bordered on cruel, watching her watch him. Her lips parted. Her chest heaved. The lamplight traced the sheen of sweat along her collarbone and the dark, peaked buds of her nipples.He said, “Turn on your side.”Something flashed in her eyes—surprise, then anticipation. She rolled without a word, presenting him the long, smooth curve of her back and the full swell of her hips. He shifted behind her, closi