The hum of the private jet’s engines was oddly comforting, a steady vibration beneath her feet that contrasted sharply with the chaos of her thoughts. Bella shifted in her seat, hands folded neatly in her lap, forcing herself to look composed. She had no choice but to accompany Damien on this business trip—his insistence was final, and her own curiosity, despite her resistance, gnawed at her resolve.
The cabin smelled faintly of leather and polished wood, the scent mingling with Damien’s presence in a way that made her pulse quicken. She couldn’t see him clearly at first; he lounged in the opposite seat, legs stretched, dark suit perfectly fitted, eyes hidden behind designer sunglasses. He looked every inch the untouchable billionaire, and yet, that untouchable exterior carried an undercu
