Damian's phone buzzed on his desk. He glanced at the screen and saw Ethan's name.
"Hello, Ethan," Damian answered.
"Good evening, Mr. Damian," Ethan's voice was calm. "Lucian has requested a formal dinner meeting tonight at his house. He would like you and Selena to attend, and he asked that you bring all legal papers and contracts related to your company."
Damian leaned back in his chair, raising an eyebrow. "All of them? That seems…totally different ."
Ethan's tone remained even. "Lucian prefers full transparency. He will review the documents in advance and expects a complete set for tonight's discussion."
Damian nodded slowly. "Understood. What time should we arrive?"
"Seven o'clock," Ethan replied. "I'll meet you at the mansion entrance and guide you in. Please make sure Selena is informed."
Damian smirked faintly. "Consider it done. We'll be there."
"Excellent," Ethan said, his voice neutral but carrying a hint of expectation. "See you tonight, Mr. Damian."
He ended the call, leaving Damian to glance at the folder on his desk. A formal dinner at Lucian's home. He knew it wouldn't be a simple business meeting—and Selena would be just as sharp as ever.
After ending the call with Damian, Ethan's phone buzzed again. This time, he dialed Viviane.
"Viviane?" Ethan said calmly.
"Yes, sir," she replied, her voice steady, though a faint flutter betrayed her self control.
"There's a dinner meeting tonight," Ethan said. "Lucian wants Damian and Selena present. You will attend, take notes, and observe every interaction. Especially Selena—Lucian considers her a variable."
Viviane nodded, noting every instruction. "Understood. I'll be prepared."
After hanging up, she leaned back in her chair, closing her eyes for a moment. Her mind drifted to that night on the trip—the night Lucian had claimed her completely, made her feel desired like never before… and then dismissed it as a one-night stand, leaving her wanting more.
Her chest tightened at the memory, a sharp mix of longing and frustration. He had been commanding, untouchable, untamed—and yet utterly indifferent the next morning.
"Just observation," she whispered to herself, trying to push the thought aside. But even as she prepared her notepad and checklist, she couldn't ignore it: Lucian's presence had a pull on her, dangerous and consuming.
Viviane shook her head slightly, forcing herself to focus. Tonight, she would sit across from him again. She would watch Selena, take notes, and report. Every move would be recorded, every word measured.
And yet… a part of her already knew she wouldn't be able to remain detached, no matter how professional she tried to be.
The waiting hung in the air, sharp and heavy. Lucian had left a mark on her that no professional role could erase.
The evening air was warm as Selena stepped in front of the full-length mirror, her reflection sharp and perfect. She ran her fingers through her hair, pulling it into a sleek ponytail that showed the line of her neck.
Her dress was black, tight enough to highlight her curves but still elegant, the kind of dress that demanded attention without being vulgar. Red lipstick added the final touch, bold and confident. She tilted her head, eyes locking on her own gaze in the mirror—she knew exactly the effect she would have tonight.
Damian walked in behind her, dressed in a tailored dark suit, adjusting his tie. His eyes lingered on her briefly before he said, teasing:
Damian: "ohh Red lipstick? A little much?"
Selena smirked, stepping closer. "Just enough to remind you why you married me."
He smiled, shaking his head. "You always know exactly what you're doing."
She gave him a playful glance. "Of course. It's a gift."
The drive to Lucian's mansion was quiet but charged. Damian kept his eyes on the road, while Selena's mind already ran through possible scenarios—how she would observe Lucian, read him, and subtly assert herself when needed.
When they arrived, the mansion appeared ahead—sleek, grand, spectacular. The valet opened the doors, and Ethan appeared promptly, holding the folders of legal documents.
"Good evening, Mr. Damian, Mrs. Selena," Ethan greeted, his voice professional. "Lucian is expecting you. Everything is ready inside."
Selena stepped out first, letting the night air brush against her exposed arms, a faint spark of excitement running through her. Damian followed, offering his arm, which she took gracefully.
As they entered the main hall, Selena's eyes briefly scanned the luxurious surroundings—the marble floors, the crafty placed lighting, the subtle scent of expensive perfume and polished wood. Every detail screamed control, precision… and she knew Lucian did well designing his home.
Ethan led them toward the dining room, where the table had been set flawless. Candles flickered, casting soft shadows across the polished surface.
Selena's lips curved into a subtle, confident smile. She had arrived prepared—not just in appearance, but in mind. Tonight wasn't just dinner. It was a test, and she intended to show that she belonged in the room… and that she was a woman to be watched.
As Damian and Selena stepped into the dining room, the air seemed to shift. Lucian emerged from the shadows at the far end of the room, impeccably dressed, his presence commanding every inch of the space.
"Damian, Selena," he said smoothly, his voice calm but carrying the weight of authority. "I'm glad you could join me tonight."
Selena's eyes flicked briefly toward him, noting the sharp lines of his jaw, the precision of his movements. But before she could focus entirely on Lucian, she noticed someone else.
Viviane was seated quietly to the side, her posture flawless, notebook open, pen poised. There was a calm intensity in her gaze—sharp, measuring, almost predatory—and yet something in the way she looked at Lucian betrayed a familiarity.
Selena's eyes narrowed slightly, curiosity prickling at her. Who is she? she wondered silently. Professional… but why does she seem so… intense?
Lucian gestured toward Viviane. "Viviane will be present tonight. She's here to assist and observe the discussion. I trust you'll find her professional."
Viviane's gaze briefly met Selena's. Her lips curved in a faint, polite smile, but there was something more behind it—a flicker of warning.
Selena's mind continued to race. Who is she really? Why does she look at him like that? And why do I feel… off about her presence?
Damian stepped closer to her, sensing her focus elsewhere. "Shall we sit?" he asked quietly.
Selena allowed herself to blink and step forward, though her attention remained partly on Viviane. The air was filled with unspoken tension, and Selena instinctively knew that this woman was more than just an assistant, and that Lucian's control over the room extended to her as well.
Lucian watched her carefully as she took her seat, noticing the curiosity in her gaze. It was going to be an interesting evening.