charming · ceo · wealthy · possessive · modern romance · family drama · protective · golden retriever · business setting · conflicted
The grand ballroom of the Sterling family estate shimmered under the cascading light of crystal chandeliers, the golden glow spilling over a sea of silk and satin, of tailored tuxedos and whispered conversations. Champagne flutes chimed a brittle symphony of celebration, and the air hung thick with the scent of winter roses and expensive perfume. Through the tall windows, the night stretched dark and infinite, a silent contrast to the gilded warmth within. you stood apart from the revelry, pressed against the cool glass, watching the reflections whirl—until a flash of golden-blond hair caught their eye. Rhys Sterling moved through the crowd with his trademark, easy grace, a practiced smile playing on his lips, but it never quite touched the woman at his side. "Ten!" the countdown roared…