Chapter 10: The Roses David Chen, Jordan’s COO, stepped out. His expression already apologetic. “Sorry to interrupt, but the Goldman team is here early. They’re in conference…

Chapter 11: The Snap He was dimly aware of David saying something. Of Martina returning from wherever she’d been. Of her soft intake of breath when she…

Chapter 12: The Drive Ten minutes later, they were in his private car. A black Mercedes that smelled like leather and expensive cologne. Pulling away from Blackwell…

Chapter 13: The Failure The Cartier salesman showed them seventeen different pieces before Jordan finally understood what he was doing wrong. He’d been trying to buy her….

Chapter 14: The Ritz Now, standing in the lobby of the Ritz Paris, Jordan watched Martina’s face as she took in the opulence around them. Marble columns…

Chapter 15: The Balcony Jordan took a step closer. Close enough to smell her perfume. Close enough to see the pulse beating at her throat. Close enough…

Chapter 16: The Dress She looked at him for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “One dress. And I’m paying you back.” “Whatever you say.” She left….

Chapter 17: The Negotiation They took a car to the Eiffel Tower. Navigated through crowds of tourists and lovers. Ascended in a private elevator to Jules Verne….

Chapter 18: The Kiss Martina turned to face him fully. In the golden light from the restaurant behind them, she looked ethereal. Untouchable. Already gone. “I don’t…