Chapter 1 A CHANCE MEETING

Isabella tugged at her dress for the fifth time, but it didn't feel any better. The gala was packed, with well-dressed figures occupying every corner, their laughter and chatter highlighting her sense of dislocation. She was here to secure a deal for her company, one that could change everything. The stakes were high, and her palms were slick with nerves.

As Isabella moved through the grand hall, her gaze sweeping the audience, the sound of champagne glasses clinking filled the air. Although some familiar faces nodded towards her, no one really noticed her presence. She told herself it didn't matter. Small talk was not her purpose.

She was focused, but before she could move forward, she experienced an unexpected sensation. She felt the chilling impact of a spilt drink on her arm. Stunned, she raised her head to see a set of sharp grey eyes. The tension between them only increased as the drink began to drip down his tuxedo.

Isabella blurted out, "I'm so sorry," her face flushed. He laughed softly, and when she reached for a serviette, she suddenly froze.

"No harm occurred." His voice was smooth and deep. Isabella's breath caught when he smirked at her. Sebastian Kingston. And you are?

Still agitated, she blinked. "Isabella Reynolds." Her heart pounded as she attempted to recover. Something about him drew her to him, despite her feeling small.

His smile lingered, disarming her just as she was about to tender an apology once more. "Miss Reynolds, I believe we'll be seeing each other more tonight."

Isabella stood there for too long, watching him leave, because of the way he said her name in that low, almost personal tone.

She kept thinking that this chance encounter wasn't really random.

Isabella tried to concentrate on the task at hand as the evening went on, but her thoughts kept returning to that fleeting interaction. Sebastian Kingston had a certain allure, but she had work to do. The way he seemed to take over any space. He was not the kind of man who would normally pique her interest, but here she was, unable to turn away.

At last, she saw him on the other side of the room, his massive frame resting against a marble column while he looked around the room. Her feet walked towards him without thinking. As she approached, their eyes locked once more, and Isabella experienced a moment of timelessness.

She stopped in front of him as he raised his glass. He nodded subtly and said, "Miss Reynolds." "Loving the occasion?"

Even though her heart was still racing, she made an effort to remain calm. "I am trying to enjoy it, but it feels a little overwhelming."

His voice trailed off as he laughed quietly. It's difficult for me to accept that you're not comfortable in your surroundings. You give off the impression of having a clear idea of what you want.

Isabella's cheeks began to heat up. His remarks were a disturbing observation as well as a compliment.

His lips curled into a smirk before she could respond. "It's not often that a stunning woman knocks me down."

As he approached and lowered his voice to a whisper, she gasped. "You can make it up to me later."

The rest of the evening passed quickly. Isabella made an effort to ignore her attraction to Sebastian. She was wise enough to avoid combining work and play. However, her chest constricted each time she looked towards him. Did he appear to be observing her as well, or was it just her?

Her attention was scattered as she attempted to concentrate on her discussion with a possible customer. She kept thinking about Sebastian. What was it about Sebastian that made her feel like she was on the verge of something indescribable?

The bond between them grew stronger each time he took a step towards her and their eyes met.

Isabella's pulse quickened as he approached. Why did this encounter feel more significant than a mere coincidence?

Isabella was suddenly uneasy for the first time that evening when Sebastian cornered her in the farthest corner of the gala hall. She squirmed at his questions about her company and the unnerving sharpness in his gaze. She wasn't sure whether to be impressed or alarmed because it seemed like he knew every detail of her life.

His tone was cool but authoritative as he stated, "Your company is doing well, but I think you could do better."

Isabella's lips tightened as she raised an eyebrow. "Is that correct? Could you please explain how you plan to help me improve?

His eyes did not meet her smile. "I have an idea that might benefit us both." His breath touched her ear as he leaned in a little. "But you must have faith in me."

Isabella's heart pounded. She had no faith in him. She wasn't ready for him just yet. However, there was something about his assurance and power that made her keen to learn more.

When he left, she was unable to speak, but she was still curious and doubtful.

The gala continued to pull Isabella in two different directions. She had a business here. Sebastian attracted the other part. She tried to focus on the deal she had come to secure, but his presence overshadowed everything, and she found herself watching him from the other side of the room.

Later, after most of the guests had left, he confronted her once more. They were alone this time. A knife could cut the unmistakable tension between them.

There was a quiet, deep silence between them. An electric shock went up her arm as his hand suddenly touched hers. He met her gaze with an unreadable expression as she looked up at him.

She sensed the spark of something indisputable as their fingers touched once more. Was this connection more than just physical attraction?