My Handsome Assistant is a Hidden Billionaire

anna As I glide through the crowded ballroom, my sapphire blue dress hugs my figure, shimmering under the soft lights. Women in elegant gowns float by their dates, the sharp contrast of their black suits making the vibrant colors around them all the more striking. We settle into our seats, rows lined up in anticipation before the stage. A woman with long, flowing blonde hair steps up, her slim-fitting black dress clinging to her curves. “Ladies and gentlemen, the awards are about to be announced. Please take your seats,” she calls, her voice commanding attention. Kat, sitting just in front of me, turns around. At 28, she could easily grace the cover of a magazine with her wavy brown hair and captivating gray eyes. “Anna,” she calls, her voice bright. “Kat,” I reply, smiling, but I feel a knot of anxiety form in my stomach. She grips the back of her chair, her red-manicured nails looking sharp and fierce. “I voted for your piece, by the way.” “Thank you!” I beam back, warmth spreading through me, but underneath is a swell of nervousness. “If you’d like something similar, I can definitely create it,” I offer, the excitement bubbling in my chest, even as I wonder why Kat needs an engagement ring—she doesn’t even have a boyfriend. Just then, a middle-aged man with graying hair strides onto the stage, his blue Armani suit tailored to perfection. “Welcome to this year’s award ceremony,” he declares, exuding authority. “You’ve all created remarkable pieces, and I wish each of you good luck!” I lean forward, eager as another man takes a seat beside me. He stands out in a grey suit without a tie, his handsome face graced by a beauty mark on his cheek and a confident smile. “How long have you been in the business?” he asks, his voice smooth, but there’s something unsettling in his gaze. “Since I was young,” I reply, keeping my tone even, but the hairs on the back of my neck stand up as he leans closer. His hand grazes my lower back, and alarm bells ring in my mind. The scent of whiskey wafts from him as he invades my space. I tense, feeling my body instinctively arch away. “Can you give me some space?” I ask, irritation creeping into my voice, but I can already feel the unwanted attention weighing down on me. He raises his hands in mock innocence, a smirk playing at his lips. “Sorry.” I stand abruptly, frustration bubbling. “You’re good.” Quickly taking the empty seat next to Kat, I try to focus on the stage as names start rolling out. “The Velvet Box,” the woman announces, followed by “Jeffery and Co., Sapphire Moon.” My heart leaps at the sound of my shop's name, and pride swells within me as applause erupts around the room, but the distraction of the man beside me lingers, tightening my chest. Just as I feel a moment of relief, I glance back over to see the man approaching again, his eyes locked on me. Panic rushes in as he leans in closer. “Why so distant, beautiful?” he purrs, his hand sliding dangerously close along my thigh. “Go away,” I say firmly, my heart racing as I try to shake him off. His grip tightens, and my stomach drops. “Don’t be like that. I thought we were hitting it off,” he says, arrogance dripping from his words. I want to scream, to push him away, but I feel frozen, caught between fear and disbelief. “I want to be alone, so please, leave me alone,” I manage to say, trying to sound calmer than I feel. Just then, a deep, commanding voice cuts through the noise. “You heard the lady.” I turn my head, wide-eyed, as a tall man strides toward us, his body radiating anger. He grabs my assailant's hand, twisting it before pushing him backward, making him stumble slightly. The jerk's confidence crumbles as the stranger pulls me close, and I instinctively lean into him, drawn into his protective aura. I scan his face—dark hair, penetrating brown eyes, a perfect button nose, and pink lips curved into a reassuring smile. He exudes a magnetic charm, and my heart flutters as our eyes meet. “Who the hell are you?” the jerk stammers. “I’ll be your worst nightmare if you don’t move,” my savior replies, his tone low and dangerous, sending shivers down my spine. “I suggest you leave before you draw more attention to yourself.” The man’s eyes dart around the room, and I realize the band has stopped playing; everyone is watching us. He steps back, but before he can leave, my hero says, “Apologize to the beautiful lady.” The jerk stammers, his bravado evaporating. “I—I’m sorry.” “Now move along,” he commands. The man scurries away, retreating to the bar, and I finally feel a wave of relief wash over me. Once he’s out of sight, the handsome stranger turns to me. “Are you alright?” His deep voice sends another flutter through my chest. Though I sway slightly from my drunkenness, I assert, “I’m fine!” Warmth floods my cheeks as the room begins to tilt. “I need some air,” I murmur. As I step away from him, ready to head for the door, I lose my balance, stumbling backward. Just as I brace for a fall, strong arms wrap around my waist, pulling me upright. “Whoa, easy.” Our eyes lock for a long moment—my green meeting his brown. Heat rushes to my cheeks. He clears his throat. “Let me take you home.” I manage a nod, and in an instant, he lifts me off my feet, cradling me as if I weigh nothing. I clutch his shirt, resting my cheek against his warm chest, inhaling the comforting scent of his cologne. “He just wouldn’t take a hint,” I mumble as he carries me out of the ballroom, weaving through elegant hallways and out into the parking lot, illuminated by soft streetlights. “Not all men are like him,” he reassures me. I stay silent as he approaches a black town car waiting with its headlights on. He opens the door, and the smell of expensive leather wafts out as he places me inside. “Luke, take Miss Petrova home first,” he instructs. I squint in the dim light to see a middle-aged man nod in response. It’s clear this man comes from money; it must be nice to have someone drive you around. As the car begins to move, I close my eyes, resting my head on his shoulder. His intoxicating scent wraps around me, lulling me into a peaceful slumber.