The conference hall buzzed with energy, a sea of impeccably dressed attendees mingling and networking beneath the glittering chandeliers. Brielle navigated the crowd with practiced ease, a polite smile gracing her lips as she exchanged pleasantries and accepted compliments on her latest fashion line.

As she turned to continue her circuit, her breath caught in her throat – there, across the room, stood a figure she had never expected to see again. Darius.

His piercing gaze locked onto hers, and for a moment, time seemed to stand still. The air crackled with tension, a palpable reminder of their turbulent history.

Brielle's grip tightened on her champagne flute, her knuckles turning...