The heavy glass doors of Sterling Events slid open with a whisper as Ariana Cole stepped into the lobby, her heels clicking softly against the marble floor. She looked flawless as always—black pencil skirt, white silk blouse, lips painted a daring red, and eyes hidden behind oversized sunglasses. Every head turned, but she didn’t pause. She wasn’t here to impress.
She was here to investigate.
On the surface, Ariana was one of the most sought-after luxury event planners in the country. From celebrity galas to political fundraisers, she was known as the queen of perfection. But beneath the glamor and charm, Ariana lived a life no one could imagine. She was an undercover agent, working for a top-secret government unit that specialized in high-level infiltration.
Today’s assignment was different. More dangerous. More personal.
Her phone buzzed.
Logan: Target just arrived. 47th floor. CEO’s office.
Ariana’s heart didn’t skip a beat. She had been trained not to flinch. Sliding her sunglasses into her handbag, she pressed the elevator button and waited. Behind her calm exterior, her mind was already working. She had read the file three times—Julian Hart, 34, CEO of HartTech Industries, a former soldier turned billionaire. Known for his charm, ruthlessness in business... and suspected ties to illegal arms deals across borders.
But there was no proof. That’s why she was here.
The elevator chimed. She stepped in alone. As the doors closed, she checked her lipstick in the mirror and murmured to herself, “Let’s do this.”
Ding.
47th floor.
The hallway was quiet and sleek, with glass walls and grey carpets. A young assistant approached her with a nervous smile.
“Ms. Cole? Mr. Hart is waiting for you.”
Ariana nodded gracefully. “Thank you.”
As she was led into the main office, her eyes immediately found him. Julian Hart stood by the window, back turned, gazing out at the city skyline. Tall. Broad shoulders. Dark tailored suit. The kind of man who commanded a room without speaking.
“Ms. Cole,” he said without turning. “You’re early.”
“I like to be prepared,” she replied.
He turned.
Ariana froze for just a second.
He was even more dangerously attractive than the photos—deep-set eyes, sharp jawline, a small scar near his left brow. The kind of face that could lie without blinking. The kind of man who knew how to hide behind charm.
Julian walked toward her, his gaze steady. “So, you’re the woman who throws million-dollar parties and makes it look easy.”
Ariana smiled smoothly. “And you’re the man who always throws last-minute chaos into the mix.”
He chuckled. “Touché.”
They shook hands.
His grip was firm. Confident. She met his eyes without flinching.
“We’re launching a new product in three weeks,” he said, motioning to the chair across from him. “I want a grand event. Something unforgettable.”
Ariana sat. “Unforgettable is what I do best.”
He leaned forward, elbows on the desk. “Good. I like working with people who deliver results. Especially when the stakes are high.”
Her ears perked at that. Was it just about the product? Or something else?
“I’ll need access to your team, your building, and your schedule,” she said calmly. “No surprises.”
Julian smirked. “I don’t do surprises, Ms. Cole.”
She matched his gaze. “Neither do I.”
Outside the office, Logan listened through Ariana’s hidden earpiece.
Logan: “Nice entry. He’s watching you closely. Be careful.”
Ariana blinked twice—her silent signal to confirm.
Julian stood and walked to a sleek bar cart in the corner. “Drink?”
“Just water,” she said.
He poured two glasses and returned, handing her one.
“So, tell me,” he said, voice lower now. “Why did you really take this job?”
Ariana tilted her head. “Because it pays well. And I like challenges.”
He smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Something tells me there’s more to you than what you show the world.”
She sipped her water. “Likewise.”
A beat passed between them. Charged. Suspicious. Intriguing.
Then the door opened.
A woman in her forties stepped in, elegant and poised.
“Julian, sorry to interrupt,” she said. “But the Paris investors are on the line.”
Julian nodded. “I’ll be there in a minute.”
The woman’s eyes flicked to Ariana, a faint curiosity in her stare, then she left.
“That’s my VP, Cassandra Blake,” Julian said. “She knows everyone... and trusts no one.”
Ariana rose smoothly. “Sounds like someone I’d get along with.”
Julian smiled. “I hope you and I can do the same.”
She held his gaze. “Time will tell.”
Back in her car, Ariana peeled off her blazer and exhaled.
Logan’s voice crackled in her ear.
“You were right. There’s more to Hart than what’s in the file. We’ve traced multiple encrypted transfers from HartTech to offshore accounts. Your mission’s greenlit. Get close. Get the truth.”
Ariana stared at the building in her rearview mirror.
Julian Hart was charming. Dangerous. And hiding something big.
But so was she.