THE BILLIONAIRE LAST PROMISE

Maya’s heart nearly stops. ‘Mr. Veil?’ The name rings a bell, that billionaire whose face is all over the news. Her cheeks flush with embarrassment. Oh. I guess I owe you more than an apology. His bodyguard steps forward but Adrian lifts a hand. ‘It’s fine.’ He glances at the coffee stain on his suit, then back at Maya. Instead of anger, there’s a faint smile. ‘You’re the first person who’s blamed me after spilling coffee on me.’ Maya folds her arms. “Because it wasn’t entirely my fault.” For a moment neither of them speaks. Then Adrian laughs, not loud, but real. His assistant, who has worked for him for years, just stares. She’d never seen him laugh because of a stranger. Adrian extends his hand. “I’m Adrian.” Maya blinks. “You already know my name?” He smiles. “No. I mean, I’m Maya.” “And I’m Maya.” Their hands meet for just a second. Something lingers. Just then, Adrian’s phone vibrates. His expression changes. He reads it once, then again. Three words flash on the screen. “We found him.” His eyes harden. Someone from his past just resurfaced. Someone who should have stayed hidden. Maya notices the sudden shift. “Is everything okay?” Adrian slips his phone into his pocket. “No.” He looks at her one last time. “I’m afraid.” “Nothing will ever be the same again.” He turns and walks to the black SUV. Maya stands on the sidewalk. Wondering why a chance encounter felt like the beginning of something much bigger.