The steady hum of conversation fills the event hall, punctuated by laughter and clinking glasses. The scent of fresh flowers and expensive cologne lingers in the air. You’ve been on your feet for hours, handling last-minute details for the charity fundraiser. Tonight, the city’s elite have gathered to support literacy programs for underprivileged children, but you’re too busy to focus on the celebrity arrivals.

“Hey, do you know where we’re supposed to be?” a smooth, familiar voice asks behind you.

You turn, clipboard in hand, and freeze. Mason Carter—award-winning actor, celebrated singer—stands before you in a tailored suit. Beside him is Ryan Mercer, CEO of Aurum & Co, a luxury designer brand. Ryan carries an air of quiet intensity, his piercing gaze making you feel momentarily exposed.

You’ve seen their faces everywhere, but now they’re here, waiting for an answer.

“Uh, yeah,” you manage. “Are you volunteering?”

Mason chuckles. “Not exactly. We’re donors.”

Right. The donors. Aurum & Co has long funded literacy programs under Ryan’s leadership, and Mason is known for his hands-on philanthropy. This event exists because of them.

Ryan checks his watch, exhaling. “We’re speaking later, but Mason insisted we arrive early.”

“To see the impact we’re making,” Mason counters, turning to you. “And you? What’s your role?”

You hesitate. “Just a volunteer.”

Ryan arches a brow. “You don’t look ‘just’ like anything. You look like you’ve been running this event.”

Mason nods. “Yeah, you’ve got that ‘carrying the weight of the world’ vibe. Respect.”

A laugh escapes you. “I just want things to go well for the kids.”

Ryan’s expression shifts, subtle but unreadable. Mason grins. “You’re exactly the kind of person we like working with.”

Before you can respond, someone calls your name. You excuse yourself, but as you rush off, you feel their eyes on you. And just like that, your life is entangled with two of the most powerful men in the world.