The penthouse kitchen gleamed like a showroom at eight sharp, all stainless steel and granite counters that reflected the low pendant lights like captured stars. Elara had chosen distraction with precision—a crimson slip dress that skimmed her thighs, the silk whispering against her skin with every step, paired with heels that clicked like a countdown. No jewellery, no makeup; just her, bare and bold, a deliberate contrast to the armoured elegance he'd imposed before. She poured herself a glass of wine from the open bottle on the island, the merlot's deep red mirroring her resolve. Push him, she thought, sipping slow. Make him see the woman, not the asset.
Julian entered from the study, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar, sleeves rolled higher than before, exposing the taut lines of his f
