Velmora, Montelucia city, Harrison capital Headquarters.
Richard Harrison sat at his desk, the city skyline stretching endlessly behind him, but his mind was focused on only one thing: The Zenith Contract.
Richard Harrison wasn't just any man, he was the man. Standing at 6'4", his tall, commanding figure made heads turn even before he walked into a room. Light-skinned, sharply handsome, with stormy hazel eyes that hinted at secrets he never told, and a jawline carved by God himself. Dressed in a custom Armani suit, he looked every inch the billionaire he was dangerous, desired, and in control. Some may even call him the most wanted bachelor in the whole of Velmora.
He loosened his tie and leaned back in his chair, on his screen. The board needed more than just data and numbers. They wanted to see him stable, trustworthy, settled. No scandals. No uncertainty. And especially not the "cold hearted billionaire" image the press had painted.
His assistant, Miranda, stepped in silently, holding a tablet.
"The Zenith CEO's reps just called. They're arriving three days early. You'll need to finalize the proposal.
Ten billion dollars.
An international merger that would put Harrison Capital on the global map, if everything went according to plan. And that was the problem: nothing ever did.
"Legal has reviewed the Zenith Contract, but you'll still need to finalize the compliance clause before their arrival." Miranda added.
Richard nodded. "Make sure I have the updated draft by tonight."
Miranda hesitated. "There's also the rooftop gala at Velaris Hotel this evening. Your attendance is still expected."
Richard's jaw tightened. "I don't have time to sip cocktails with bored aristocrats."
"I know. But showing your face could work in our favor. With Evermont watching, public image matters."
A pause. Then, he nodded. "One hour. No press."
"The car will be ready by eight."
"Good."
Miranda paused just as she turned to leave, glancing down at her tablet.
"Oh, and one more thing," she said, her voice cautious. "You received a call earlier—from an unknown number. No message left, but they asked for you directly... twice."
Richard's jaw tightened subtly, a shadow crossing his expression.
Only one person outside his company had access to that direct line—and he hadn't heard from them in years.
Richard drew in a steady breath and nodded.
"Thanks, Mira. That'll be all for now," he said, his voice calm but distant.
She gave a slight nod and slipped out, leaving him alone with the weight of his thoughts.
___ _____ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ _______
Across the city, in a modest but tastefully decorated apartment, Pearl Grey was sprawled on a velvet couch, a bowl of popcorn in her lap and her best friend, Aria Bennet, perched on the armrest.
"You seriously need to stop hiding here like a sad, abandoned kitten," Aria groaned, snatching a handful of popcorn. "It's been two months, P."
Pearl rolled her eyes but didn't respond. Her silence said enough.
Aria exhaled loudly, tossing a throw pillow at her. "Forget that useless man. The one who ghosted after three years? He doesn't deserve even your Wi-Fi password, let alone your tears."
Pearl clutched the pillow to her chest. "You don't understand, Aria. I loved him. I really thought he was my person. We had plans… a future. I didn't think I'd be back here, in my pajamas, still licking my wounds and binge-watching bad reality TV."
"I get it. Heartbreak sucks," Aria softened, brushing Pearl's long dark hair back from her face. "But you're too damn talented and too damn beautiful to waste away like this."
Pearl forced a half-smile, reaching for her laptop. "I need to submit an article tonight. It's for a lifestyle blog I freelance for—if they love it, they might offer me steady gigs. And God knows I need the money. That debt on my parents' house isn't going anywhere."
Aria stood up, rummaging through her clutch until she pulled out a sleek black envelope with gold lettering.
"I wasn't going to bring this up yet, but desperate times call for gorgeous dresses," she said with a smirk. "There's a rooftop party tonight at Velaris Hotel. VIP-only. Everyone who's anyone in Montelucia City will be there. Business tycoons, celebrities and influencers.
Pearl raised an eyebrow as she held up the black envelope with gold lettering. "Okay, but seriously… how in the world did you get your hands on an invite to this?"
Aria smirked, flopping onto the couch like she owned the place. "Please. You forget who you're talking to. I dressed half the people on that guest list."
Pearl blinked. "You designed clothes for them?"
Aria gave her a wink. "Darling, I didn't just design clothes. I rescued their wardrobes. When the Montelucia elite need to look like money, they come crawling to me."
Pearl narrowed her eyes playfully. "So you're saying you traded fashion salvation for a golden ticket?"
"Let's just say," Aria said, crossing her legs, "a certain influencer owed me a favor and I called it in. She's skipping the party to fly to Paris, so... her invite magically found its way to me."
Pearl shook her head with a laugh. "You are unbelievable
Aria said, her eyes gleaming. "This could be your chance. You network a little, sip some champagne, maybe flirt with someone. Or better yet, pitch your writing to someone who can actually make a difference."
Pearl blinked. "And I'm supposed to just show up and blend in with the elite?"
"No. You're going to show up, own the room, and maybe meet someone who actually sees your worth.
Pearl looked skeptical. "What would I even wear?"
Aria's grin widened. "Already laid out a dress for you. I knew I'd win."
Pearl groaned, but something deep inside her stirred curiosity, hope, maybe even defiance. She glanced at her open laptop again and whispered, "Maybe just for tonight."
"Exactly," Aria said, tugging her up. "Now let's turn you into someone unforgettable."