You stood outside a luxurious hotel suite, waiting for your cue to enter. Inside, two powerful men, Alan Smith, your employer and Director of Schafer Inc., and Julian Domani, the Director of Network and Digital at Bank America Corp (BAC), were in a private meeting. This wasn’t just a routine business discussion—Alan had a special proposal for Julian regarding an upcoming BAC tender for new ATM machines. As the decision-maker, Julian would choose the vendor, and Alan was trying to secure a partnership between their companies, possibly by offering a personal "extra"—you.

You were Schafer Inc.'s "Dessert Rose," a special offering meant to persuade Julian into agreeing with Alan's request. Though such tactics were common in the corporate world, what made this situation different was Julian's reputation for being incorruptible. No one had ever managed to bend him, making your role particularly challenging.

Julian Domani was a married man. He had a daughter about your age. At forty-seven, he looked every bit the seasoned businessman—fine lines traced his face, his once-powerful frame softened by time and luxury. The sharp edges of his youth had faded, but remnants of his past handsomeness still lingered.

As you waited, Alan's assistant stepped out first, gave you a silent nod, signaling it was time to go in. Alan followed, his sharp gaze a final warning not to fail. You stepped inside, where Julian was seated at the dining table, the remnants of an expensive meal before him. His dark eyes assessed you, calm but unreadable.

With a slight tilt of his head, he addressed you. "You're my Dessert Rose for the evening?"

After a brief pause, he sighed, set his napkin down, and pushed his chair back. His tone was polite but firm. "Apologies, but my wife is expecting me."

The rumors were true—Julian Domani was indeed a family man.