Aria's POV
" Finally, some peace and quiet. " I murmured after ditching Lina after hours of shopping at the mall. 'She'll be the end of me, so tired' I thought. 'Now where should I spend the rest of the afternoon?' I asked myself then decided to go to my sister's office.
The faint scent of basil and vanilla wafted through my nose as soon as I stepped into Mara's studio-kitchen, where every corner gleamed with polished silver trays, crystal glasses, and stacks of meticulously planned event books.
Her business, "Mara Vale Events & Culinary Creations", had grown into one of the city's most renowned event planning and catering companies, known for elegant balls, luxury weddings, and exclusive soirées.
Mara approached me with a clipboard in hand, her bright eyes sparkling with excitement. "Aria! Darling, how have you been?, I need your help."
I frowned, trying not to flinch at the idea. "With… what exactly?"
"A ball! One of my biggest clients wants a gala this weekend. Hundreds of people. Lavish decorations, exquisite cuisine… you know, all the usual chaos I normally manage," she said, gesturing dramatically. "I need someone I can trust to handle the tech side, make sure the lighting, security, and digital invitations go off without a hitch. And, of course, to keep me from losing my mind."
I froze. "You want me… at a ball?" My voice was barely above a whisper. "With… people?" I asked already regretting my decision of stopping by, this is all Lina's fault.
"Exactly," Mara said, grinning. "And I know how much you love people." She placed a hand on my shoulder, teasing, but with genuine warmth. "I promise, it'll be fun. And you'll be helping your sister. Please, I can't trust anyone else with this."
I hesitated. Balls were not my world. My world was shadows, screens, and silent code. But Mara's smile… her trust… made my walls feel strangely soft.
"Fine," I muttered. "I'll do it. But don't expect me to enjoy it." finally giving in.
Mara laughed, tugging me into a brief, tight hug. "That's all I need. You'll see—it won't be as painful as you think. Now, go pick something decent to wear, and try not to look like you just crawled out of a server room. You know what, I'll join you in picking an outfit. " She said firmly.
Dante's POV
The office was quiet, the city lights flickering across the polished desk as I sipped my whiskey. I rarely had time for invitations—or social obligations—but tonight a thin envelope caught my attention: Naples Winter Wine Gala.
A gala. Lavish. High society. The kind of ball I usually avoided. Too many cameras, too many whispers, too many people who saw the world as a game.
And yet… I hesitated. Something about the gala tugged at a distant curiosity. Maybe it was the challenge. Maybe it was the thought of seeing people outside their usual facades.
I set the envelope down, fingers drumming on the desk.
"I could go. Or I could stay here, avoid the chaos, keep my already bad reputation intact or meet a pretty blonde to bang for the night," I muttered to no one in particular. My smirk appeared almost unconsciously. "Decisions, Dante. Decisions."
Before I forget let me introduce myself, My name is Dante Moreau, Manchester's city No. 1 bachelor and playboy. I never fuck a woman twice, to avoid any emotional feelings or commitments. I have no time for such unnecessary attachment.
I'm the CEO of Moreau Enterprises – a sleek, high-end conglomerate involved in luxury real estate, tech investments, and high-profile ventures.
(Moreau Ventures) – startup investments and tech acquisitions.
(Moreau Realty) – luxury properties across Manchester city.
A company with prestige, influence, power. Yes, it reflects my public image and wealth.
Finally, I straightened my tie, a quiet resolve settling over me. If I was going to go, I'd do it my way. Controlled, calculated… and maybe, just maybe, there'd be something—or someone—worth noticing at the gala.
"Better make an entrance worth remembering," I murmured, eyes glinting as the city skyline reflected in my office window.
*********
Aria arrived in a sleek, understated dress Mara had picked—nothing flashy, just elegant enough to fit in, while still allowing her to blend into the crowd. Her laptop bag had been swapped for a small clutch; the glow of her sharp mind hid behind calm, composed posture. She took deep breaths, made up her mind and walked in.
The ballroom was a sea of chandeliers, glittering gowns, and suits sharper than knives. Yeah, everything is screaming luxury. She wanted nothing more than to stay in a corner, observe, and avoid the small talk.
Until Mara appeared.
Dante was halfway across the room, avoiding the investors trying to approach him, the ladies who would do anything to get into his bed while moving toward the refreshment tables, when his eyes landed on her.
She was quiet, precise in movement, but there was an aloof air and vibe around her— yeah, the don't approach or talk to me vibe, different from everyone else. Observant, confident without needing attention.
He smirked to himself, raising an eyebrow. 'This gala is going to be interesting.'
Meanwhile, Aria's gaze swept the room, noting digital cameras, subtle security measures, and the layout of the main stage. She didn't notice Dante yet—nor did she know that the man scrutinizing the room from across the hall was the same wealthy playboy whose servers she had recently traced.
And just like that, their worlds—tech and luxury, shadows and lights, control and chaos—were about to collide, creating chaos in the tech world.