Chapter 1
1016 Words
Emily smoothed the front of her elegant black cocktail dress and inhaled deeply as she walked into the large ballroom. The business function was in full swing; the room was packed with ladies and men wearing exquisite suits and plenty of jewels.
Emily walked into the huge ballroom, her shoes clicking on the marble floor as she looked around at the executives chatting over drinks. Her heart quickened at the thought of shaking hands with influential people in business, and she tucked a strand of her chestnut hair behind her ear.
Emily took a champagne glass from a tray that a waiter had passed by and sipped the sparkling beverage to soothe her anxiousness. This was her opportunity to establish herself as more than simply a junior associate.
She saw Lucas Montgomery, the CEO of Montgomery Enterprises, standing across the room. The reports about his being magnetic, even from a distance, were accurate. Emily took a steadying breath and moved toward him, her heart thumping her ribs as she made her way through the mob.
She held out her hand to shake hands. "Mr. Montgomery, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."
As Lucas shook her hand, curiosity flickered in his crystal blue eyes. "The pleasure's mine, Miss...?"
"Thompson. Emily Thompson."
"Miss Thompson," he mewed softly. "An ambitious woman. I admire that."
Emily raised her chin. "I didn't get to where I am by being meek."
A wolfish smile formed across Lucas's lips. "Good. This world has no place for the weak."
Despite the fact that Emily was captivated and following Lucas's every word, his reputation preceded him. She felt as if she was under a spell that only he could cast.
Emily Thompson cast a quick scan across the lavish ballroom, her sharp green eyes taking in the sea of immaculately attired people coming for the yearly business gala. The sound of a live string quartet playing in the background blended in with the rhythmic clink of champagne glasses and the whispers of discussion. She threaded through the throng, adjusting the strap of her magnificent black gown as she went, her mind meticulously noting important connections and prospective business opportunities.
A voice cried out, "Miss Thompson," and Emily turned to face it out of reflex. Her pulse skipped a beat as she locked eyes with Lucas Montgomery, the mysterious CEO of the competitor business that had recently been making headlines in the sector. He drew nearer to her with self-assured steps, his well-tailored suit highlighting his tall and robust physique.
"Mr. Montgomery," Emily said calmly as she extended her hand for a solid grasp. "I've heard a lot about you."
Lucas shook her hand and said, "Likewise," with his enticing blue eyes fixed on hers. "Your success at such a young age is impressive. You must be quite ambitious."
Emily said, "Thank you," her cheeks slightly flushed from the unexpected praise. "I do what I can to prove my worth in this cutthroat business."
"That's right," Lucas said, a glint of laughter in his eyes. "But don't forget to enjoy yourself once in a while, Miss Thompson. Life isn't all about work."
"From the man renowned for his brutal strategies," Emily shot back, her voice tinged with sarcasm.
Lucas laughed and raised his hands in a fake surrender, "Touché," before extending an offer of a glass of champagne to her. "May I?"
Emily said, "Thank you," as she accepted the flute and sipped the sparkling beverage. During this, she could not help but be attracted to the man in front of her. Given their professional competition, she knew she should be cautious, but there was something about Lucas Montgomery that made it hard for her to keep her guard up.
Lucas said, "Tell me, Miss Thompson," in a deep, velvety voice. "What drives you? What is it that fuels your ambition?"
Emily narrowed her eyes and scanned his face, searching for any sign of criticism. "Perhaps I'm seeking success to prove myself in a world where so many underestimate me," she said. "And what about you, Mr. Montgomery? What motivates someone like you?"
"Ah, that's my little secret," he said, grinning teasingly. "But I assure you, it's not as sinister as some might believe."
Emily said, her interest peaked, "Really?" "You've built quite a reputation for yourself, Mr. Montgomery. It's hard to imagine there isn't some darkness lurking behind that charming façade."
"Miss Thompson, everyone has secrets," Lucas shot back, glancing momentarily over her shoulder before locking eyes again. "Some more than others."
"That's true," Emily agreed, her thoughts turning to the past secrets of her own family. She was still attempting to comprehend how her life had been impacted by her father's previous choices and sacrifices. "But secrets have a way of coming to light eventually, don't they?"
"Yes, Miss Thompson, they do," Lucas said, his blue eyes displaying a trace of fragility that made Emily both curious and uncomfortable. "And when they do, we can only hope that the truth doesn't shatter everything we've built."
Emily lifted her glass to him and said, "Here's to hoping," before taking another drink. She was plagued by the sensation that something unexpected was about to happen to her life as she saw Lucas Montgomery fade back into the throng.
Emily was having talks with different business people as the evening went on, all the time glancing across at Lucas. Sierra Johnson, Emily's perceptive colleague, was particularly aware of the business buzz around their conversations.
With a forced grin, Sierra walked over to Emily and said, "Emily, are you enjoying the party?"
Keeping her cool, Emily nodded and said, "Of course. Networking is crucial in our world."
Sierra's pupils widened. "Speaking of networking, have you seen the headlines lately? Montgomery Enterprises seems to be making strategic moves. Any thoughts?"
Ever the diplomat, Emily said, "Business is business, Sierra. We focus on our goals."
Emily had no idea that Sierra was becoming more interested in her private life. Sierra made the decision to use this knowledge to her advantage by quietly raising suspicions about Emily's relationship with Lucas.
- Writer
