Max Carter stood at the edge of the skyline, the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse office framing the city like a living canvas. It was dusk—the kind that draped the world in gold and violet, softening its sharp edges, even his own. The boardroom victory earlier had sent waves through the company. Stockholders were thrilled. Executives were stunned. But instead of celebrating, Max found himself caught in quiet stillness, his fingers brushing the corner of a velvet box resting on the edge of his desk.
He hadn’t opened it in hours. Not since the courier brought it in.
A chrysanthemum bracelet, with a matching necklace and earring set, custom designed. White gold, soft rose enamel, and a center diamond that caught the light without screaming for attention. It wasn’t flashy—not like
