Moonlight Secret

The grand hall of the Montenegro Estate glittered under a sea of crystal chandeliers as the annual charity gala swirled in full swing. Andrea Montenegro stood at the edge of the ballroom, glass of champagne in hand, gazing at the lavish crowd. The event had always been her least favorite part of the year—another night filled with predictable faces and even more predictable conversations about mergers, art auctions, and social climbing. Her mother, Rosalind Montenegro, had made it clear: tonight was not just for charity but also for networking. "You need to secure more partnerships, darling," Rosalind had whispered earlier, placing a delicate emerald necklace around Andrea's neck. "And perhaps find a suitable match. Someone… worthy of the Montenegro name." Andrea sipped her champagne, a sigh building in her chest, when a shift in the atmosphere rippled across the room. Heads turned as a man stepped into the hall. Tall, broad-shouldered, and dressed in a tailored black suit that clung perfectly to his sculpted frame, Elijah Grey entered with an air of mystery that drew every eye. He was rarely seen at public events, despite being heir to the Grey conglomerate. The Montenegro and Grey families had shared a complicated history—friends once, competitors now. Andrea knew only whispers about him: the elusive, handsome billionaire who seemed to avoid social appearances. Their eyes met across the room. For a moment, Andrea forgot the crowd around her. The intensity in Elijah’s gaze sent a strange shiver down her spine—part warning, part thrill. He looked at her as if she were the only person in the room, and that kind of focus made her heart race. Elijah walked toward her, smoothly dodging curious onlookers. Andrea straightened, pulse quickening. "You look like you need saving," Elijah said, voice low and warm. Andrea arched a brow, fighting a smile. "That obvious, huh?" "Only to someone who's also trying to escape." The corner of his mouth lifted in a grin, revealing just a hint of mischief. Andrea felt an unfamiliar pull—dangerous, exciting, and impossible to resist.