The room gasped audibly. Even the auctioneer paused for a fraction of a second before continuing. “Six million euros! Do I hear six point five?”Liam’s smirk faltered slightly. He leaned forward, clearly debating whether to press on. Then, with a nod, he raised his paddle again. “Seven million euros.”Sarah’s heart pounded as the bidding war continued.She wanted to shout at both of them to stop, but she was frozen, caught between fear and exhilaration.This wasn’t just about the jewelry anymore, it was about something unspoken and deeply personal.“Eight million euros,” Alexander countered, his tone icy as he shot a glare in Liam’s direction.Liam raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the tension. “Ten million euros,” he announced, his voice laced with challenge.The crowd was on the edge of their seats now, the stakes unlike anything they’d seen before.“Fifteen million,” Alexander said, barely looking at the auctioneer. His focus was entirely on Liam now, his jaw set with determinati
The applause began to die down as the evening drew to a close, and the auctioneer took the stage again for a final note.“Congratulations once more to Mountain Rose and all our participants this evening. Your talent and artistry have set a new standard for excellence. Thank you all for joining us at this prestigious event. We look forward to seeing you again next year!”The audience began to disperse, the energy in the room buzzing with post event discussions and networking. Alexander, however, remained still, his thoughts fixated on one person.Sarah, who now sat with her hands clasped in her lap, appeared smaller, as though the weight of the world rested on her shoulders.As the crowd began to thin, Alexander leaned closer to Sarah, his voice low but firm. “Care to explain why Margaret Windsor looked at you like that?”Sarah froze, her pulse quickening.Her lips parted as if to respond, but no words came. Instead, she forced a strained smile and said, “Let’s go back to the hotel. It
Sarah closed the case gently, her mind racing.She wanted to knock on the study door, to tell Alexander everything, but fear held her back. Fear of his disappointment, fear of his anger, and, most of all, fear of losing the fragile connection they had begun to build.Instead, she sank onto the plush sofa in the living room, the case resting on her lap.Her thoughts swirled in a chaotic mess of emotions, gratitude, guilt, frustration, and longing.Behind the locked door, Alexander sat at the large oak desk, his hands clenched into fists.The room was dimly lit, the glow of a desk lamp casting long shadows across the walls.The jewelry he had bid so fiercely for was now in Sarah’s hands, yet the satisfaction he had expected to feel was nowhere to be found.He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his hair.His mind replayed the events of the night, Liam’s smug grin, and the way she seemed to trust everyone but him.“Damn it,” he muttered under his breath, slamming a fist onto
And she did. She told him about Margaret, about how Mountain Rose had started as a small dream and grown into something she never could have imagined.She told him about the fear that had kept her from sharing it with him, about the guilt that had eaten at her every day.When she finished, Alexander was silent for a long time.He looked at her, his expression unreadable, before finally speaking. “I’m not angry that you have your own dreams, Sarah. I’m angry that you thought you had to hide them from me.”“I’m sorry,” she said, tears streaming down her face. “I never wanted to hurt you.”He sighed, his shoulders sagging. “I know.”For a moment, neither of them spoke. Then, slowly, Alexander reached out a hand. Sarah hesitated, then took it, her heart aching as his fingers curled around hers.“We’ll figure this out,” he said softly. “But no more secrets, Sarah. I mean it.”She nodded, a fresh wave of tears spilling over. “No more secrets.”As Alexander gently took Sarah's hand, he pulle
Sarah shifted slightly on Alexander's lap, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of his shirt.The intimacy of their position, her perched delicately on his lap while they sat in the quiet of his study, had eased some of the tension between them, but her curiosity gnawed at her.“Alexander,” she began softly, tilting her head to meet his gaze. “I’ve been meaning to ask… why did you bid so fiercely for the Mountain Rose jewelry? Especially when Blake Group already had Elise’s designs on display. Was it just business strategy?”His dark eyes held hers for a moment, searching, as if deciding how much of himself to reveal. Finally, he sighed, leaning back slightly, though his arms stayed firmly wrapped around her waist.“At first,” he admitted, “it was a calculated move. The Mountain Rose brand was gaining a lot of buzz, and I couldn’t let Blake Group miss out on the chance to align with such a name, even if it wasn’t ours.” He paused, his thumb lightly brushing over her back. “But then I s
“So, Mr. Blake,” she said, her tone teasing. “What’s next for the thirty million dollar investor?”He chuckled, his hands sliding down to rest on her hips. “Next, we turn Mountain Rose into a household name. Together.”“Together,” she echoed, her smile widening.But as much as the lightness had returned, Alexander’s mind still lingered on a thought he couldn’t quite shake.He couldn’t deny the jealousy that had flared when he’d seen Liam with her, or the frustration he’d felt at being kept in the dark.While he trusted her promise to be open moving forward, the possessiveness he felt was a stark reminder of how deeply he cared, and how much he had to lose.Still, for now, he pushed those feelings aside, focusing instead on the woman in his arms.As their lips met, the room seemed to grow warmer, the tension that had simmered between them melting into a passionate embrace.Sarah's arms wrapped around Alexander's neck, pulling him closer as their kisses deepened, each one more fervent t
The soft glow of the morning sun spilled through the curtains, casting a warm light over the room.Alexander stirred first, his senses waking to the comforting presence of Sarah still curled against him.For a moment, he let himself relish the quiet intimacy, the sound of her even breathing bringing a rare sense of calm.Just as he was about to close his eyes again, Sarah shifted, her hand lazily swiping across his chest as she stretched.Her eyes fluttered open, and she looked up at him groggily."Morning," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips."Good morning," Alexander replied, his voice smooth but carrying a hint of teasing. "Finally awake, are we? I was beginning to think you'd sleep the whole day."Sarah let out a soft laugh, her face still nestled against his chest. "Says the man who couldn't keep his eyes open past midnight last night," she quipped, her tone playful."I was exhausted from all your secrets," Alexander shot bac
Alexander smirked and crossed the room to stand behind her.He rested his hands lightly on her shoulders, meeting her gaze through the mirror. "Sarah, you could wear a potato sack and still turn heads. But if you’re asking for my opinion..." His voice trailed off as he tilted his head, scrutinizing the dress.She turned to face him fully, her eyebrows raised. "Well? Honest thoughts."He gave a small shrug. "It’s nice. But ‘nice’ doesn’t suit you, not for tonight. You need something that makes everyone in the room stop and stare."Her cheeks flushed at his words, and she glanced down at the dress before tossing it onto the bed with a sigh. "That’s exactly what I’m trying to figure out, but nothing feels good enough."Alexander stepped around her, pulling a sleek navy jacket from the wardrobe and shrugging it on. "Do you want me to call a stylist? We can have someone here in an hour with a rack of options."Sarah shook her head quickly. "No, no, I’ll figure it out. I don’t want to make
Sarah stretched lazily, the first rays of dawn filtering through the curtains and spilling golden light over the room.Her gaze drifted to Alexander, still asleep beside her, his dark lashes resting against his cheeks and his expression softer than she was used to seeing.A tender smile curved her lips. In moments like these, he seemed so unguarded, free from the burdens he carried during the day.She reached out to brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead, her touch featherlight to avoid waking him.Carefully, she slipped out from under the covers, moving with the precision of someone defusing a bomb.She planted her feet on the cool floor and stood, her gaze flickering back to him once more.Just as she took her first step toward the bathroom, a strong hand wrapped around her wrist, pulling her back toward the bed.She let out a surprised laugh as she tumbled back onto the mattress, landing against his chest.“Five more minutes,” Alexander murmured, his voice thick with sleep, t
Her hands found their way to his shoulders, pulling him closer as their kisses deepened.Sarah responded in kind, her trust and love for him evident in the way she melted into his embrace.As Alexander’s lips brushed against Sarah’s, a soft sigh escaped her, her body instinctively leaning into his warmth.His arms wrapped around her with a firmness that spoke of both possession and tenderness, drawing her close until there was no space left between them.Her fingers trailed up his shoulders and into his hair, holding him to her as the world outside their embrace faded away.She felt the heat of his touch, the way his hands moved over her back, caressing her with an intimacy that sent shivers down her spine.Every kiss, every gentle stroke of his hand, unraveled her defenses, leaving her bare in a way she only allowed with him.Sarah’s breaths quickened as she surrendered completely, her trust in him absolute.In his embrace, she felt safe, cherished, and wholly loved.Alexander’s lips
Sarah felt the weight of the moment settle over her.Her fingers absentmindedly traced the rim of her coffee cup as she glanced at Alexander.His protective demeanor was evident, his gaze unwavering as he watched her.“Did he mention specifics?” Sarah finally asked, her voice soft but steady.Margaret nodded. “He mentioned a meeting to discuss the details further, nothing is set in stone yet. But it’s clear he sees Mountain Rose as a valuable asset.”Alexander’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I don’t trust him,” he said bluntly. “And I don’t want you walking into something that could compromise your independence, Sarah. You’ve built Mountain Rose from the ground up. You don’t need Blake Group to validate your work.”Sarah gave him a small, grateful smile. “I know, Alexander. And I appreciate your support. But if there’s a chance to expand the brand and bring it to more people without losing its essence, isn’t it worth at least hearing them out?”Margaret interjected gently, “You don’
They finally disentangled themselves from the sheets and began getting ready.Sarah hummed as she rummaged through her suitcase for something to wear, while Alexander leaned against the bathroom door, watching her with amusement.“Do you think Margaret will notice if we’re a little late? And why the sudden breakfast?” he asked casually.Sarah glanced at him, arching a brow. “She’ll notice. And then she’ll scold me for letting you sleep in.”Alexander smirked. “I don’t mind taking the blame if it means a few more minutes alone with you.”Sarah rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her. “You’re hopeless,” she said, shaking her head as she pulled out a dress.“Hopelessly in love with you,” he corrected, his voice light but sincere.Sarah paused, looking over at him with a soft smile. “Good thing I’m hopelessly in love with you too, then.”Dressed to perfection, Sarah adjusted the hem of her chic, pastel dress, the soft fabric flowing gracefully as she stepped into the room where Alexan
Alexander’s lips found Sarah’s in a kiss that started soft but deepened with an intensity that left no room for doubt.It was the kind of kiss that spoke of love, longing, and unspoken promises.Sarah responded in kind, her arms wrapping around his neck, her fingers threading through his hair as their breaths mingled and the world beyond their suite ceased to exist.Alexander’s hands, steady yet reverent, moved to Sarah’s waist, pulling her closer as though afraid she might slip away.Her scent, warm and inviting, enveloped him, and the warmth of her touch ignited something raw within him.He broke the kiss only to trail his lips along her jawline, planting gentle kisses down the curve of her neck.Sarah sighed, her head tilting to give him better access, her heartbeat quickening with every caress.Her hands roamed over his chest, slipping beneath his shirt to feel the heat of his skin.Alexander shivered at her touch, his restraint teetering on the edge. “Sarah…” he murmured against
The gala drew to a close, the glittering lights dimming as the event transitioned into quiet farewells. The crowd of fashion elite thinned, and the once buzzing atmosphere settled into the polite murmurs of guests departing for the night.Near the grand entrance, Alexander, Liam, Sarah, and Margaret stood in a loose circle, exchanging parting words.Margaret, ever the gracious mentor, reached out to clasp Sarah’s hand. “You’ve done brilliantly, my dear,” she said warmly. “Mountain Rose has left an indelible mark tonight. You’ve made me so proud.”Sarah smiled, her cheeks tinged pink from both the praise and the lingering tension of the evening. “Thank you, Margaret. I couldn’t have done it without your guidance.”Liam chimed in, his easy charm lighting up the moment. “She’s a natural. You’d better watch out, Alexander. Sarah’s destined to outshine us all in the jewelry world.”Alexander’s lips curved into a faint smile, though his hand instinctively tightened on the armrest of his whe
Alexander froze mid motion, his heart pounding as the shrill cry echoed through the grand hall.“Sarah,” he murmured, his voice a mix of alarm and urgency. Forgetting his ruse of reliance on the wheelchair, he pushed it with one hand, propelling himself faster toward the center of the room where a crowd was beginning to gather.The sea of guests parted slightly, and Alexander’s breath caught at the sight before him.Sarah, pale and shaken, was being helped to her feet by Liam, who looked equally concerned.Her gown was slightly askew, and the delicate straps of her shoes seemed out of place, one bent as though it had twisted mid step.“What happened?” Alexander’s voice was sharp as he reached Sarah, his gaze scanning her face for any sign of pain or injury.Liam glanced at him, his expression unusually serious. “She must have slipped on the polished floor,” he explained, steadying Sarah as she swayed slightly. “She’s fine, but she hit the floor hard.”“I’m fine, really,” Sarah interje
“Well,” he said, taking a small step back, “I’ll leave you both to enjoy the evening. Don’t forget, Sarah, there’s always a place for you in my corner of the industry.”With that, he clinked his glass lightly against hers one last time before turning away, disappearing into the crowd.Sarah exhaled slowly, tension she hadn’t realized she’d been holding easing from her shoulders.She turned to Alexander, whose expression was a study in restraint.“I...” she began, but Alexander cut her off, his voice low and firm.“Not here,” he said, his eyes flicking briefly to the crowd before returning to her. “Let’s just focus on the gala for now.”Though his words were measured, the look in his eyes spoke volumes. This wasn’t over, not by a long shot.Sarah excused herself to use the washroom.The soft hum of the gala’s festivities faded as she stepped into the lavishly decorated washroom.The walls were lined with opulent mirrors, their gold filigree frames reflecting the soft, warm light.She t
Cecilia raised a perfectly arched brow, a flicker of surprise crossing her features before she masked it with an amused smile. “Wife? Well, isn’t that unexpected?” She chuckled softly, though it lacked warmth. “I would have thought you’d... wait longer to settle down. Considering everything.”Alexander’s expression darkened, and Sarah felt the weight of his restraint. “What I do with my life is none of your concern, Cecilia,” he said sharply. “You made your choices. I made mine.”Cecilia’s eyes flashed, and she tilted her head, feigning innocence. “Oh, Alexander, don’t be like that. I only meant... you’ve been through so much. It’s just surprising to see you with someone so... fresh faced. Doesn’t she look barely out of school?”The jab was subtle but clear, and Sarah stiffened.Her instinct was to retort, but Alexander beat her to it.“Sarah is everything I’ve ever wanted,” Alexander said firmly, his voice cutting through the tension. “And more than you could ever understand.”Cecili