Elena is a medical laboratory scientist who strives for excellence in everything she does. Cold, fearless, and strong-willed, she has little patience for distractions—except when it comes to her cheerful best friend, Cherry, who is her complete opposite.As Elena builds her career, one unexpected night changes everything.“I’m not comfortable here, Cherry. I’m leaving.”“Already? Elena, we just got here.”“I said I’m leaving.”She stepped outside the diner, unaware that her quiet escape was about to become tomorrow's biggest headline.Turning the corner, she collided with a hard chest.“Careful.”Elena looked up.A tall man in a perfectly tailored suit stood before her, one hand steadying her before she fell.“Watch it.”Elena frowned.“I was looking.”He said nothing more.Before she could respond, a camera clicked.Then another.Liam Aserford.Billionaire CEO of Aserford Group and owner of Mill Holdings.Elena glanced past him.A group of reporters stood across the street.Her eyes widened.“Who are you?”More camera flashes followed.Liam’s gaze sharpened.He pulled out his phone.“Nick.”“Yes, sir.”“Outside.”“I’m here, sir.”“Handle it.”Nick appeared within seconds.Liam didn’t look at him for long, only at the crowd.“No details. Keep them back.”Nick nodded once.“And the woman?”Liam’s eyes flicked briefly toward Elena, already walking away.“Forget her.”“Understood.”Liam turned slightly.“Control it before it spreads.”“I will, sir.”He walked off without another word, leaving Nick to deal with the reporters.But it was already too late.The cameras had captured enough.The next morning, every headline was buzzing:ASERFORD GROUP CEO SPOTTED FLIRTING WITH MYSTERY WOMAN—HIS FIANCEE.Elena stared at the screen.“This has to be a joke.”Across the city, Liam read the same headline.And smiled.