Daniel’s POV
The Grand Ballroom of the Celestial Hotel glitters with the kind of wealth that pretends to care about charity. Crystal chandeliers, champagne towers, women in expensive dresses. I stand near the bar with Lydia on my arm, and I should feel triumphant.
This is everything I’m supposed to want. Success. Power. A beautiful woman who understands my world and fits into it perfectly.
So why does everything feel hollow?
“Daniel.” Lydia touches my arm, her smile practiced and perfect. “Senator Morrison is here. We should say hello—his committee oversees the regulations we discussed.”
She’s right, of course. She’s always right. Lydia has transformed herself into exactly what I need—a partner who understands business strategy, who networks effortlessly, who makes me look good in pho
