Alex's eyes scanned the room, her senses on high alert as she searched for an escape from the man's suffocating charm. He had reappeared, and she was determined to avoid another uncomfortable encounter.
"Alex, darling, you look stunning tonight," the man said, his voice dripping with insincerity. "I see you're still surrounded by... interesting company."
Alex's eyes narrowed, her grip on her glass tightening. "Just enjoying the art, as one does," she replied, her tone icy.
The man chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Of course, of course. Well, I'll let you get back to... admiring the artwork."
As he walked away, Alex let out a sigh of relief. She turned to scan the room once more, her eyes landing on Emily, who was engaged in a conversation with a well-dressed woman.
Meanwhile, in a private room overlooking the exhibition hall, Max stood by the window, his eyes fixed on Emily's sculpture, "Turmoil." He was impressed – the artist had captured the essence of turmoil, the raw emotion and intensity.
Max's assistant, Rachel, entered the room, a discreet smile on her face. "Sir, I've spoken to the artist's representative. They're willing to discuss a potential sale."
Max's eyes never left the sculpture. "Make an offer. I want that piece."
Rachel nodded, her eyes flicking to the sculpture before returning to her boss. "Yes, sir. And, sir... the artist's name is Emily."she said showing the picture of the artist.
Max's expression didn't change, but a flicker of surprise danced in his eyes. Emily – the woman he had spent a passionate night with, the one he had dismissed as a mere fling.
It seemed their connection was more complicated than he had thought.
The exhibition was a resounding success, with Emily's sculpture, "Turmoil," receiving critical acclaim. Art critics and collectors alike marveled at the raw emotion and intensity captured in the piece.
As the night wore on, Alex slipped away to the rooftop, seeking a moment of solitude amidst the chaos. The cool night breeze was a welcome respite, and she closed her eyes, letting the calm wash over her.
Just as she was starting to relax, a cloak was draped over her shoulders, and she opened her eyes to find the man from her party standing before her. She hadn't caught his name, and she didn't care.
"Wow, I never knew you could be a gentleman," Alex said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I didn't need your sense of humor to ruin my alone time."
The man smiled, seemingly impervious to her irritation. "I apologize if I intruded," he said, his words polite but laced with amusement. "My name is Carl,by the way and I must say, it's been a pleasure meeting you, Alex.
"look here Carl I realize you are a partner of my dad business, however I'd like to have nothing involving us ,if you wouldn't mind you should go"
she said. Carl obviously realizing this wasn't a good moment for her smirked ,she had just increased his interest in her no lady had ever turned him down and most definitely not a self centered one ,he was going to take it as a challenge but for the night he would give her space.
"This won't be the last time we meet.Alex , however keep the cloak on you wouldn't want to catch a cold "
Just then, Rain appeared, his face darkening as he took in the scene. "Alex, what's going on?" he asked, his voice low and even.
Carl took Alex's hand, his lips brushing against her knuckles. "See you soon, beautiful," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Luckily, I'm in a good mood."
Emily, meanwhile, was escorted by James to a private meeting with a potential buyer. As they arrived at the appointed location, Emily's eyes widened in shock – the buyer was none other than the owner of the prestigious company eclipse Enterprise.(EE)
And then, she saw him – Max, standing tall and imposing, his eyes fixed intently on her. Emily's heart skipped a beat as their gazes met, the air thickening with tension.
"Ah, Emily," Max said, his voice low and smooth. "It's a pleasure to see you again. I trust you're doing well?"
MEANWHILE
Emily followed Rachel into the office on getting in she was a bit surprised it was the man she had a one night stand with "max" wait she thought he was" max blackwood" regaining her composure her eyes widening as she took in the opulent decor. The room was a masterclass in understated luxury, with sleek lines, dark wood accents, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offered a stunning view of the city.
As she entered, her gaze landed on a stunning sculpture by Auguste Rodin, "The Thinker," which sat proudly on a pedestal near the window. Nearby, a beautiful piece by Constantin Brancusi, "Bird in Space," seemed to defy gravity, its sleek lines and curves gleaming in the soft light.
Max gestured for Emily to take a seat, and she sank into a plush leather armchair, her eyes drawn to the stunning artwork that adorned the walls. James, who had accompanied her to the meeting, settled into a chair beside her, his slender fingers drumming a staccato beat on the armrest.
James was a vision in pastel pink, his slender frame clad in a fitted blazer and matching trousers that accentuated his feminine features. His hair was styled in loose waves, and his full lips were painted a deep coral. He looked every inch the fashionable aesthete, and Emily couldn't help but feel a twinge of admiration for his fearless sense of style.
In contrast, Emily's own style was more laid-back. She wore a faded denim jacket over a white crop top, her dark jeans clinging to her curves in all the right places. Her long hair was pulled back into a ponytail, revealing a smattering of freckles across the bridge of her nose.
Max Blackwood, on the other hand, exuded an air of confident masculinity. His curly dark hair was perfectly styled, and his piercing grey eyes seemed to bore into Emily's very soul. He wore a tailored dark green suit that accentuated his broad shoulders, his crisp white shirt and silver tie adding a touch of elegance to his overall demeanor.
As they settled in, Max leaned back in his chair, holding his fingers together as he regarded Emily with an intent gaze. "So, Emily," he began, his deep voice sending a shiver down her spine. "Tell me about your sculpture, 'Turmoil.' What inspired you to create it?"