Chapter 1

As Darcy Fletcher gazed upon the entrance of her family's company, tears streamed down her face as she reflected on all the cherished moments that had taken place there. This nostalgic connection went back to her very birth, having been born and raised in Michigan's stunning cityscape. The establishment in question was erected by none other than Darcy's great-grandfather and remained an enduring legacy through three successive generations of their familial line.

The company once held a dominant position in Michigan's clothing market, but its fortunes declined when the owner fell ill and could not prevent further setbacks. Despite relying on loyal customers for some time afterward, they eventually went bankrupt six months ago due to an error made by her brother. In order to pay off employees before their assets were auctioned off, one of their villas was sold to a recent arrival in Michigan.

Billionaire Gale Harris, a young and world-renowned businessman with interests spanning the automotive and clothing industries, was the man in question. His family hailed from Michigan and owned a nearby clothing factory alongside that of Fletcher's which had shut down when his father met his mother who led him to Ireland where he started their own clothes line. Although considered powerful yet elusive by many, they were returning to Michigan for good since senior Harris wished to be back home. While Darcy tried searching online for Mr.Harris' photograph she couldn't seem to find any evidence despite being warned about his ruthless tactics as a head executive officer within global commerce circles .

Gale Harris relocated to Michigan and reopened his grandfather's shuttered factory, determined to regain its former glory while providing jobs for the community. The economy of Michigan City had suffered a long decline due to job losses in manufacturing and the subprime collapse. Gale's venture was seen as a potential game-changer for the city, with locals embracing him warmly despite Darcy having reservations about his motives - particularly after he recently purchased much of the real estate and few businesses in town, leading her mistrustful perception of him.

Standing there, she observed the surroundings of the factory while waiting for a potential buyer who had expressed interest in acquiring her company. The individual wanted to inspect it first and so Darcy made the journey to show him around. Despite being hesitant about selling, circumstances left her with no other choice - if someone purchased it before auction day arrived, she could avoid further embarrassment as media attention surrounding her brother's scandal had plagued their name these past few months. Additionally concerned for her ill father, burdens regarding business troubles also weighed on his shoulders less over time if sold off quickly upon finding a reasonable offer. With an enthusiastic response after receiving just one phone call from this unknown party yesterday wanting to come see what they may soon invest into purchasing- Darcy agreed readily knowing that was exactly how things must be handled under pressing circumstance at hand!

Upon selling the factory, Darcy had a clear plan in mind. The first step was to locate her estranged brother who had left home and refused to come back despite their father's advancing age. Though Louis was rarely mentioned by their dad, Darcy could tell from his wistful gaze toward the road that he yearned for his son's return. Knowing this only intensified Darcy's determination to find him.

Darcy felt a tinge of sadness as she observed him shed tears while gazing at his photograph the previous evening. Additionally, Darcy must depart to Paris soon for an upcoming Global design contest in which she will participate next month. Despite having received numerous awards during her time pursuing her masters in London, Darcy has been unable to showcase and utilize her skills upon returning home due to the various complications plaguing her company one after another.

At the young age of twenty-five, she found herself constantly engulfed in her companies' issues and couldn't resist letting out a sigh. She realized that somewhere along the way, she had lost sight of who she was as an individual. Curious if this was a sign to leave Michigan behind for good but with misguided uncertainty on whether it's even possible. Lost in thought amidst these inner conflicts, oblivious to the Bentley pulling into their company campus grounds nearbyo nly further fuelingthose doubts than quell them..

Upon hearing the guard's announcement, she stirred from her slumber and ventured outside whereupon a man emerged from an impressive black Maybach. At six feet tall with a strong build and sun-kissed skin, he possessed sharp features that captured Darcy's admiration at first glimpse - truly an exceedingly handsome gentleman whom she couldn't help but marvel over. Having traveled to multiple countries while studying in London, Darcy had seen many people before; however none as strikingly attractive as him had crossed her path until now.

As she walked towards him, he wore an amused expression while looking at her.

"Miss Fletcher, I apologize for keeping you waiting. I arrived late last night from New York and overslept this morning," the man stated while extending his hand in a handshake greeting.

With a smile, Darcy clasped his hand briefly and reassured him. "No worries, Mr. Davis - I've just arrived myself. Please do come in; let's take a leisurely walk."

"Miss Fletcher, in fact... he is not," a second man emerged from the car ready to speak but was silenced by Mr. Davis' warning glare.

Darcy inquired curiously, "May I ask who you are?" as she had not previously noticed him.

"Miss Fletcher, it is a pleasure to meet you. My name is John and I am Mr. Davis's assistant," said the man as he cleared his throat.

Darcy asked, "I'm sorry for interrupting earlier. What were you saying? It's also nice to meet you."

"I don't want to upset you, but I was about to mention that you're incredibly stunning."

With a blush, Darcy's face turned crimson. She was often praised for her striking features that were passed down to her by her mother.

"Darcy said, 'Thank you, sir. Please follow me and I will show you around,'" before taking the lead.

With the company having shut its doors six months prior, Darcy had to let go of all her employees. As a result, there was no one present except for the guard. Taking matters into her own hands, she decided to give him a tour.