Mason grinned as he moved from one elite to another, exchanging pleasantries, strategies disguised as smiles, chatters mingled with the soft swelling music. The hall was brightened with the blazing chandeliers, and the delicious aroma of desserts clinging to the heavy scents of perfumes.

Tamara smiled, locking hands with Mason as he strode to meet some other elite members. She loved the attention everyone was giving the host, how people kept glancing their way and whispering, " Is she his woman?”

She made sure she was gorgeously dressed in a long black dress, her face heavy with makeup.

“How does being the new CEO feel?” Tamara heard one of the...