Vivian Montgomery believed in two things: power and perseverance. She had built her life around them, clawing her way from obscurity into the world of wealth and privilege. There were no glass ceilings she couldn't shatter, no doors she couldn't pry open. If she set her sights on something, she took it—plain and simple. And right now, she had her sights set on Damian Lancaster.

For months, she had followed his name across headlines. He was the kind of man who didn't just attract attention—he commanded it. Billionaire investor. Tech mogul. The man who had turned a single start-up into a global empire before he turned thirty. Women wanted him, men envied him, and the world watched his every move. Vivian wasn't a fool. She knew men like Damian didn't just fall for any woman. They had to be convinced.

And she was going to convince him.

Tonight was her first move. A charity gala, packed with high society's elite. The invitation had been nearly impossible to secure, but Vivian had made sure her name was on the guest list. Everything about this evening was meticulously planned. Her dress—a deep emerald satin that hugged her curves like a second skin—had been custom-fitted for the occasion. Her hair fell in dark, glossy waves down her back, and her makeup was flawless. When she walked into a room, people noticed. And tonight, she was going to make sure Damian Lancaster did, too.

The ballroom shimmered with golden light, chandeliers casting a warm glow over the sea of designer gowns and tailored suits. Laughter and the clink of champagne glasses filled the air as the city's most powerful figures mingled and exchanged pleasantries. But Vivian wasn't interested in small talk.

Her gaze swept across the room until she found him.

Damian stood near the bar, effortlessly commanding the space around him. He was even more striking in person—tall, broad-shouldered, his jet-black hair perfectly styled, his sharp jawline softened only by the smirk playing on his lips. He wore power like a second skin, his presence magnetic. Women hovered nearby, subtly angling themselves toward him, hoping to catch his attention.

But he wasn't looking at them.

Vivian frowned slightly, following his line of sight.

At his feet sat a large, sleek-coated Doberman, its body poised with quiet authority. The dog's deep brown eyes scanned the room as if assessing every person within reach. Damian reached down, his fingers running absentmindedly over the dog's head, his expression softening in a way that made Vivian's stomach tighten.

She had anticipated competition, but she hadn't expected this.

The billionaire wasn't just fond of his dog—he was completely devoted to it.

Vivian's mind worked quickly. If the dog was Damian's weakness, then that was where she needed to strike first. She squared her shoulders, adjusted the dazzling diamond bracelet on her wrist, and took a calculated step forward.

As she approached, she made sure her presence was noticed before she spoke. "Quite the companion you have there."

Damian glanced up, his expression shifting from mild amusement to polite indifference as he took her in. "Apollo is more than a companion," he said smoothly, his voice deep and commanding. "He's family."

Vivian smiled, tilting her head just enough to appear intrigued. "A beautiful animal. I've always had a fondness for dogs."

She lowered herself slightly, extending a hand toward Apollo, expecting the usual polite sniff or even a welcoming wag of the tail. Instead, the dog's ears twitched back, and he remained perfectly still, his gaze locked onto her as if analyzing every fiber of her being.

Damian watched the exchange, the faintest flicker of interest passing through his eyes. "Apollo's a good judge of character."

The words were light, but there was something underneath them—a subtle challenge, a quiet warning. Vivian's smile didn't falter, but internally, her frustration flared.

She needed to recover. Fast.

She laughed lightly, pulling her hand back with graceful ease. "Well, I suppose I'll have to earn his trust then."

Damian smirked. "That's not something you can force. Apollo chooses who he likes."

Vivian arched an eyebrow. "And what about you? Do you choose who you like?"

His gaze met hers, steady, unreadable. For a moment, the world around them blurred, the music and chatter fading into a dull hum. Then, just as quickly as the moment had come, Damian's expression shifted back into something effortlessly casual.

"I do," he said simply. "But Apollo's opinion carries a lot of weight."

The message was clear. Vivian was not used to being dismissed, but she knew when to retreat. She let out a soft chuckle, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Then I suppose I have my work cut out for me."

She turned and walked away, keeping her posture poised and confident, but inside, her mind was already spinning with possibilities.

This was going to be harder than she thought.

She had prepared to compete with women, with expectations, with social circles. But she had never expected her greatest rival for Damian Lancaster's attention to be his dog.

Yet, if Apollo was the key to Damian's heart, then she would do whatever it took to make the dog love her.

Because Vivian Montgomery always got what she wanted.

And she wanted him.