Chapter 5 Collins Walter

Nora's heart skipped a beat the moment their eyes met. There was something magnetic in his gaze, steady, assured, and laced with an unspoken allure. A spark flared between them, subtle yet undeniable. She found herself unable to look away, her lips curving into a smile she couldn't suppress.

"You're not wrong about that, Collins," she said, voice poised yet soft. "We could continue this discussion later, maybe in my office?"

Collins returned her smile with a composed nod. "That sounds perfect. Just send the time and place. I'll be there, we'll get down to business as soon as you're ready."

Nora's smile deepened, warmth spreading across her chest. She admired people who took business seriously, something about that quiet drive, that sense of control. And Collins had just proven he had both.

"Would you like to walk outside?" he asked, eyes never leaving hers.

She gave a gentle nod. "Sure."

Together, they stepped out of the buzzing gala hall into the calm night air. Outside was scattered with sleek cars, their polished surfaces gleaming under soft golden lights. The air was cooler, tinged with the scent of nearby jasmine, and quieter than inside, perfect for conversation.

Nora's pulse quickened as they walked side by side.

This is more than just business, she thought. There's something different about him. Something I can't quite place...

They paused near a sleek black car. Collins leaned back lightly against it.

"This one's mine," he said, glancing at it with casual pride.

"Wow, it's beautiful. How long have you had it?" she asked, trailing her fingers along its edge.

"A few months," he replied, scanning the lot before pointing to another similar vehicle. "That one over there looks just like mine."

Nora laughed softly. "That's because it is. That's my car."

He turned to her with a surprised chuckle. "Seriously? Well, great minds think alike."

Their laughter mingled under the moonlight. The air between them grew easier, charged with a gentle tension neither of them dared to name.

"Are you married, Nora?" Collins asked, his voice quieter, more personal now.

The question caught her off guard. Her eyes met his again, deep brown, calm, and almost too captivating. Her heart drummed.

She exhaled slowly, smiling. "No. I'm still single. You?"

He smiled, a glint of something tender in his eyes. "Not married either. I've just... never met someone who felt right."

Nora's breath caught slightly. The way he said it, the way he was looking at her, it felt like more than casual conversation. He reached for her hand, holding it gently. His touch was warm, almost too comforting.

"What do you do, exactly?" he asked, not breaking eye contact.

Nora could hardly believe how naturally everything was unfolding. She hadn't expected this tonight, this connection, this electricity. But she held herself with grace, her voice steady despite her racing heart.

"I run a company that focuses on real estate, finance, and tech," she said. "What about you?"

"I'm a business investor," he replied with an admiring smile. "But my specialty is technology."

Her eyes lit up. "That's perfect. I'm really glad we met tonight. I have a feeling we'll work well together."

"So do I," Collins said, still holding her hand. "And meeting a brilliant, beautiful woman like you, it's rare."

Her heart fluttered. He had definitely crossed a line, but Nora couldn't bring herself to stop him. She enjoyed the moment with him.

"You're very handsome, Collins," she said softly. "I'm certain we'll make great partners, in business and beyond."

They held each other's gaze, smiles playing on their lips, the moment suspended between the thrill of something new and the hesitation of timing. Their chemistry buzzed in the night air, but neither of them made a move. It was too early... and yet, something had already begun.

Suddenly, the sound of commotion from the hall pulled their attention. The gala was winding down, guests beginning to pour outside.

"The party's over," Collins said, reluctantly letting go of her hand. "But I'm truly glad I met you tonight."

"Me too," Nora said. "I enjoyed our talk."

"I'll walk you to your car."

As they moved toward her vehicle, a familiar voice called out.

"Nora, darling!"

Nora turned, surprised. "Mum? I didn't see you come in." She hugged her warmly.

"Good evening, madam," Collins said politely.

"Good evening, young man. Nice to meet you," Mrs. Ryan replied with a pleased smile, clearly sizing him up.

"Mum, this is Collins Walter, my new business partner."

Mrs. Ryan nodded knowingly. She didn't need words to read her daughter's expression.

"I'll head to my car, dear. Don't stay out too late."

"Alright, Mum," Nora smiled, then turned back to Collins.

"I'd like to see you in my office tomorrow at noon. Will that work?"

"I'll be there," he said. "Good night, Nora. Sweet dreams."

She waved as he walked toward his car.

James, her driver, stepped out and opened the car door.

"Thank you, James," she said, sliding in, her gaze lingering on Collins.

Nora's POV

Collins Walter... so calm, so charming. No wonder Sophia called him 'the quiet charmer.'

I smiled, curling my lips as James pulled onto the street.

I've never felt this at ease with someone I just met. There's something deeper beneath our conversation. Could it be... love?

I closed my eyes, and his image came to my mind effortlessly.

He's handsome, magnetic. And that eye contact, those quiet smiles, they made something stir in me I didn't expect tonight,I felt like he's the man in my life.

Wait... in my life?

I exhaled slowly, letting the thought settle.

We'll work together. That's certain. But somehow, I already feel something with him I've never felt with any of my male partners.

I leaned back into the plush leather of my new Lamborghini, smiling as James drove through the glowing city streets. The colorful lights reflected against the windows like stars drawn down to earth, and I basked in the surreal magic of it all.