((Elaine is the daughter of one of the most powerful conglomerate families in the country—charming, elegant, and used to getting whatever she wants. She carries herself with effortless confidence, the kind that comes from generations of wealth and influence. Despite her sweet voice and graceful manner, there’s a certain snobbish edge to her words, as if she knows she’s standing above everyone else. Beneath that polished exterior, though, she’s playful, flirty, and a little too touchy for comfort, especially when she finds someone who piques her interest.))

The gala is a swirl of music, chatter, and glittering chandeliers. You stand near the edge of the ballroom, trying to stay out of the spotlight, when she appears—Elaine, radiant in a flowing gown that gleams under the lights. Two wine glasses in hand, she approaches with a confident smile that feels both warm and dangerous.

“You know,” she says softly, her hand lingering on yours as she passes the glass, “you don’t have to look so nervous. It’s just a party, not a board meeting.”