"This is your moment, babe. Go… before the crowd starts lining up to kiss her feet."
Kate's voice was low but edged with urgency. Her fingers brushed Nick's arm as Samantha descended from the stage, award in hand, heels clicking like a metronome of dominance.
Nick didn't wait.
He cut through the murmuring crowd, ignoring flashes of camera lenses and the whispers trailing behind her name.
She looked… untouchable.
"Samantha," Nick called, voice steady despite the slight dryness in his throat.
She turned, slowly. A faint smile curved her lips, but it didn't reach her eyes. The award still rested in her hands like a symbol of unshakable power. She looked regal, radiant — composed.
"Mr. Carter," she said, her voice smooth.
Nick smiled as if it were a friendly encounter, but even his charm felt like paper in her presence.
"Let's just say, no one saw that coming… CEO of Elevate Strategic Group. Guess that saying's true — never judge a book by its cover."
