The ballroom glittered beneath crystal chandeliers.
MMT Developers never did anything halfway.
Architects.
Developers.
Investors.
Construction executives.
The room contained some of the most influential people in the industry.
Normally that would have intimidated Leia.
Tonight she was too focused on surviving.
Her silver cocktail dress fit perfectly.
Elegant.
Professional.
Just daring enough without crossing the line.
The boutique had delivered exactly what she'd hoped for.
Even Colette approved.
Which was saying something.
"You look amazing."
Leia turned.
A familiar voice.
A familiar pair of gray eyes.
A familiar smile.
For reasons she couldn't explain, her heartbeat immediately betrayed her.
Jack Garlan stood before her.
Black tuxedo.
No tie.
Effortlessly handsome.
Annoyingly so.
"Good evening, Mr. Garlan."
His eyebrows lifted.
"Mr. Garlan?"
"Yes."
"We've had lunch."
"We have."
"Then surely I've earned at least a Jack."
Leia laughed.
"Good evening, Jack."
"There she is."
His smile widened.
And strangely enough she'd missed seeing it.
His gaze softened briefly.
The silver dress suited her.
Actually...
That wasn't entirely accurate.
Leia could probably wear a burlap sack and still attract attention.
The realization was mildly concerning.
"No Ben tonight?" he asked casually.
Leia almost sighed.
Of course.
Ben.
Always Ben.
"Thailand."
"Still Thailand?"
"He's apparently very fond of Thailand."
Jack chuckled.
"I'll meet this man eventually."
No you won't.
Not unless I learn cloning.
"I wouldn't hold my breath."
Jack laughed again.
That sound was becoming surprisingly familiar.
And far too pleasant.
The host called everyone toward their tables.
Jack glanced at his invitation.
Then at hers.
Then smiled.
"Looks like fate likes me."
Leia looked down.
Table Twelve.
She glanced at his card.
Table Twelve.
"Oh no."
"Oh yes."
The ballroom lights dimmed.
The event officially began.
Awards.
Announcements.
Presentations.
One project after another.
One winner after another.
Ben Architecture wasn't called.
Neither was she surprised.
Most firms spent decades building relationships with developers like MMT.
Being invited was enough.
Winning could come later.
She found herself relaxing.
Enjoying dinner.
Enjoying conversation.
Enjoying Jack's company far more than she should.
"You're giving up already?"
Jack suddenly asked.
Leia blinked.
"What?"
He nodded toward the stage.
"You've convinced yourself you won't win."
She frowned.
"Realistic expectations."
"That's quitter talk."
"I'm not quitting."
"You've practically written your acceptance speech for losing."
Leia laughed.
"You always this competitive?"
"Yes."
"Even off the clock?"
"Especially off the clock."
She shook her head.
"Terrifying."
"I'm told it's one of my charms."
The final project remained.
The largest development.
By far.
Even Jack appeared attentive now.
MMT founder Matthew Towne stepped onto the stage.
The room quieted.
"We saved the best for last."
A ripple of anticipation swept through the ballroom.
Matthew grinned.
"We faced a difficult decision."
He paused dramatically.
"A very difficult decision."
Another pause.
The crowd collectively groaned.
Matthew laughed.
"Fine. Fine."
He pointed toward the audience.
"We chose two firms."
Murmurs erupted immediately.
Two?
That never happened.
"The first firm is an industry giant."
Matthew continued.
"The second firm is one of the fastest-growing firms we've ever seen."
Leia frowned.
Surely—
No.
Impossible.
"The project goes to..."
Matthew dragged out the silence.
Then smiled.
"Jack Consulting."
Applause erupted.
Jack nodded politely.
Expected.
Deserved.
"And..."
Another pause.
Matthew pointed dramatically across the room.
"Ben Architecture."
Everything stopped.
For one breathtaking second, Leia couldn't move.
Couldn't think.
Couldn't breathe.
Then the room erupted again.
Heads turned toward her.
Applause surrounded her.
People smiled.
Congratulated.
Celebrated.
Yet all she could hear was one thing.
Ben Architecture.
They'd done it.
Beside her, Jack stood.
His smile genuine.
Warm.
Proud.
He extended his hand.
"Congratulations, Leia."
She stared briefly.
Then took it.
"Congratulations to you too."
For a moment neither let go.
Neither seemed to notice.
Then someone called their names.
Reality returned.
Applause echoed again.
The future suddenly looked very different.
Neither of them knew it yet.
But this project was about to change everything.