Dominic Vale's office occupied the highest floor of Vale Tower.
Floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across the wall behind his desk, revealing the glittering skyline of Kintara City. At night, the city lights shimmered like scattered diamonds across the darkness.
Dominic stood quietly near the window, one hand resting in his pocket.
But his thoughts weren't on the skyline.
They were on a woman.
Alessia Kane.
The memory of the charity gala still lingered in his mind.
The way she carried herself—calm, confident, completely unaffected by the powerful people around her.
Most people tried to impress Dominic Vale.
She hadn't even tried.
And then she had disappeared before he could ask another question.
Dominic did not like unanswered questions.
Which was why he had called someone who specialized in finding answers.
The office door opened.
"Still staring at the skyline like a billionaire in a dramatic movie?"
Dominic didn't turn.
"You're late."
Julian Cross walked in casually, holding a tablet. Founder of CrossTech, Julian was one of the most brilliant tech entrepreneurs in the country—and one of Dominic's oldest friends.
He dropped into the chair across from Dominic's desk.
"So," Julian said, stretching his legs out comfortably, "you asked me to quietly look into someone."
Dominic finally turned.
"Yes."
Julian raised an eyebrow.
"That already makes this interesting."
Dominic rarely asked for personal investigations.
Julian tapped the tablet.
"Alessia Kane."
Dominic stepped closer to the desk.
"What did you find?"
Julian let out a low whistle.
"Well…"
He turned the tablet toward Dominic.
"You definitely didn't choose an ordinary woman."
Dominic's eyes scanned the screen.
Alessia Kane — Founder & CEO, Kane Luxe Group
His gaze sharpened slightly.
"Founder?"
Julian nodded.
"Yep."
He leaned forward slightly.
"She built Kane Luxe from scratch."
Julian tapped the screen again, showing the company profile.
"Kane Luxe Group — luxury cosmetics, lifestyle products, and fashion collaborations."
He shook his head in mild admiration.
"She started the company in her twenties."
Dominic studied the data carefully.
Julian continued.
"In the past few years, she expanded internationally. Europe, Asia, and now North America."
He leaned back.
"Business analysts call her one of the most strategic young CEOs in the luxury industry."
Dominic's lips curved faintly.
"That sounds more accurate."
Julian shrugged.
"I've never met her."
He scrolled further.
"Now here's the family background."
Another profile appeared.
Victor Kane — Founder of Kane Entertainment Group
Julian raised his eyebrows.
"Her father runs one of the biggest show business companies in the country."
Dominic crossed his arms.
"So she grew up around influence."
"Sure," Julian said. "But she didn't take the easy route."
He tapped the screen again.
"Kane Luxe is entirely her creation."
Dominic nodded slightly.
Impressive.
Julian studied Dominic's face.
"This isn't just curiosity, is it?"
Dominic ignored the question.
"What about her personal life?"
Julian scrolled again.
"There's one notable relationship."
Dominic waited.
"Ethan Blake. Business consultant."
Julian paused.
"Interesting part is…"
He looked up.
"They broke up yesterday."
Dominic's gaze sharpened slightly.
Julian continued.
"She caught him cheating at his apartment."
Dominic remained silent.
The office grew quiet.
Julian leaned back in his chair.
"Well… if you were wondering whether she's available—"
Dominic gave him a flat look.
Julian laughed.
"Relax. Just saying."
Dominic turned back toward the window.
"So," Julian said, "what exactly are you planning to do with this information?"
Dominic answered calmly.
"Nothing."
Julian blinked.
"You asked me to investigate her and you're doing nothing?"
"For now."
Julian shook his head.
"You are the most mysterious man I know."
Dominic didn't respond.
But the memory of Alessia Kane remained clear in his mind.
Founder.
CEO.
Sharp.
Calm.
And newly single.
Perhaps their paths would cross again.
Behind him, Julian suddenly frowned at the tablet.
"Huh."
Dominic glanced over his shoulder.
"What?"
Julian tapped the screen again.
"That's strange."
Dominic waited.
Julian looked up slowly.
"She has a meeting tomorrow morning."
Dominic said nothing.
Julian continued.
"With a company you know very well."
Dominic's eyes narrowed.
"Which company?"
Julian smiled slowly.
"Vale Group."
The room went silent.
Dominic turned fully toward him.
"Who scheduled it?"
Julian checked the calendar entry again.
Then he looked up with amusement.
"That's the strange part."
He rotated the tablet toward Dominic.
"You did."
Dominic's expression darkened slightly.
Because he had absolutely no memory of scheduling that meeting.