THE HEART'S GAMBIT

CHAPTER 3: AN INVITATION TO POWER

I turned Salvador Montenegro’s business card over in my fingers, staring at the elegant, embossed lettering. Why did holding it feel like holding a ticking clock?

Andrew’s words from earlier still echoed in my mind.

“Would you ever design something with your name on it?”

No one had ever asked me that before. I’d always been content crafting pieces for others, tailoring and adjusting the dreams of people who could afford luxury. But my own line? That was a different world. A dangerous one—one where I could fail.

I sighed and tucked the card into my drawer. It wasn’t important.

Or at least, that’s what I told myself.

Two Nights Later

I was closing up the shop when the sound of an engine purring outside caught my attention. Peeking through the blinds, I saw a sleek black Rolls-Royce parked at the curb. The sight made my stomach tighten.

Then, the back door opened.

A man stepped out.

Even if I hadn’t known his name, I would’ve known his presence.

Salvador Montenegro exuded power. He was tall, dressed in an impeccably tailored three-piece suit that probably cost more than my entire boutique. His dark hair was slicked back, revealing a sharp, chiseled face—one that was both handsome and intimidating.

His gaze swept over my shop like he was assessing property.

I barely had time to compose myself before Andrew stepped out behind him, his posture stiff, eyes unreadable. Unlike Salvador, he wasn’t wearing a suit tonight—just dark slacks and a button-down rolled at the sleeves, but somehow, he still looked just as effortlessly put together.

Elena, who was helping me tidy up, whispered, “Okay, is it just me, or does this feel like a mafia movie?”

I shot her a look before stepping forward. I wasn’t going to be intimidated.

Salvador’s lips curved into a smile as he approached. “Paloma Torres.”

Hearing my name in his smooth, deliberate voice sent a chill down my spine.

“Yes,” I said, keeping my tone neutral.

He gestured to my boutique. “I’ve heard excellent things about your work. Andrew speaks highly of your skills.”

My eyes flickered towards Andrew. He said nothing.

“Thank you,” I said carefully. “I take pride in what I do.”

Salvador glanced around the boutique before turning back to me. “I came to personally thank you for the suit. It was flawless.”

I nodded. “I appreciate your business.”

He studied me for a long moment, then smiled again. “I admire talented people, Miss Torres. People who are ambitious. People who know what they want.”

I wasn’t sure where this conversation was going, but I could feel the weight of it.

“I assume Andrew gave you my card?” he continued.

“Yes.”

“Then you know where to reach me.”

There was an unspoken meaning behind those words, but I didn’t have time to analyze it before he took a step closer.

“I’m hosting an event this weekend,” he said smoothly. A gala. The kind of place where important connections are made.”

I blinked, taken aback. “And you’re telling me this because…?”

He smiled. “Because I want you there.”

Elena made an audible choking sound behind me.

I stared at Salvador, trying to gauge his intentions.

“I appreciate the invitation, but I’m not sure a gala is my kind of place,” I said carefully.

He chuckled. “You’re a designer, Miss Torres. You belong in the world of high society more than you think.”

I hesitated. Why me?

Before I could respond, Andrew finally spoke. “Salvador, we should go. We’re already behind schedule.”

Something flickered in Salvador’s expression—mild irritation, maybe—but he didn’t argue. Instead, he reached into his suit pocket and pulled out an invitation.

“I hope you’ll reconsider,” he said, placing it on the counter. “It would be… a shame if you didn’t.”

The way he said it made my stomach twist.

Then, at one last glance, he turned and walked out.

Andrew lingered for half a second, his gaze meeting mine, something unreadable in his eyes. Then, without another word, he followed Salvador to the car.

The Rolls-Royce pulled away, disappearing into the night.

The boutique was silent for a long moment before Elena finally exploded.

“Paloma, what the hell just happened?!”

I exhaled, staring at the invitation in front of me.

Something told me my life was about to change.