Vivian Montgomery didn't believe in obstacles—only opportunities in disguise. And tonight had been illuminating.
She had expected Damian Lancaster to be difficult to charm, but she hadn't expected his most trusted companion to be a dog. It was an oversight she intended to correct immediately. If Apollo was the gatekeeper to Damian's heart, then she would find a way to win him over. After all, how hard could it be? It was just a dog.
She spent the next few days carefully crafting a new approach. Vivian wasn't the type to throw herself at a man—she was calculated, methodical. Winning Apollo's approval meant getting closer to Damian in ways that didn't seem obvious. She needed to integrate herself into his world, make it seem like fate was pushing them together.
And fate, of course, would need a little help.
The opportunity presented itself at the Lancaster Foundation Fundraiser, one of the city's most exclusive events. Unlike the grand ballroom gala, this was a more intimate affair—an outdoor charity event hosted on Damian's private estate. Invitations were reserved for the elite few, but Vivian had secured hers without much trouble.
As she stepped onto the pristine, sunlit grounds, she took a moment to admire the vast landscape. The Lancaster estate was breathtaking—acres of rolling green, marble fountains glistening under the midday sun, and a sprawling mansion that exuded quiet power.
Her heels clicked softly against the cobblestone path as she walked toward the main event, where elegantly dressed guests sipped champagne and mingled beneath white canopy tents. She scanned the crowd, searching for him.
And then she saw him.
Damian stood near a garden terrace, his tailored charcoal suit immaculate, his presence commanding even among the city's elite. He was listening to an older businessman, but his expression was relaxed—until a familiar black shadow appeared at his side.
Apollo.
The Doberman sat poised beside Damian, his deep brown eyes scanning the guests with quiet intensity. Every now and then, Damian's hand would absently stroke the dog's sleek coat, his affection evident.
Vivian inhaled deeply, summoning her most dazzling smile. This time, she wouldn't make the same mistake. This time, she would make Apollo love her.
She moved with purpose, gliding toward Damian just as his conversation ended. Timing was everything.
"Mr. Lancaster," she greeted smoothly, offering a soft smile.
Damian turned, his steel-blue gaze landing on her. "Ms. Montgomery," he acknowledged, his voice polite but guarded.
She tilted her head, feigning innocence. "I hope I'm not interrupting."
"Not at all," he said, though his tone was unreadable. His eyes flickered briefly toward Apollo, as if anticipating something.
Vivian took a slow, careful step forward. "I couldn't help but notice Apollo again. He's quite the protector."
Damian's lips quirked slightly. "He's more than that."
Vivian crouched slightly, keeping her movements controlled as she extended a delicate hand toward the Doberman. "I'd love to properly introduce myself this time."
Apollo's ears twitched, his sharp gaze never leaving hers. For a long moment, he simply stared at her, unmoving, unreadable.
Then, slowly, he bared his teeth. A quiet but unmistakable growl rumbled in his throat.
Vivian froze.
Damian, however, chuckled. "I don't think Apollo's convinced yet."
Heat burned in her cheeks, but she quickly masked her irritation with a soft laugh. "I suppose he's just protective."
"He is," Damian confirmed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "And he has good instincts."
Vivian clenched her jaw but forced a playful smile. "Well, I am quite determined. I think I'll win him over eventually."
Damian studied her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then he smirked. "We'll see."
Vivian rose gracefully, masking her frustration. She had never been rejected before—not by a man, and certainly not by a dog.
But she wasn't giving up. Not now. Not ever.
If Apollo was the only thing standing between her and Damian Lancaster, then she would do whatever it took to change that.
Even if it meant playing dirty.