Chapter Five: The Invitation (continued)
Isabelle’s invitation hung in the air, a tantalizing offer that Maya knew could open doors she hadn’t even dared to imagine. The prospect of mingling with the elite in Isabelle Rousseau’s private estate was both thrilling and terrifying. Her mind buzzed with possibilities, but she couldn’t ignore the nagging worry that she was getting in too deep, too fast.
“I appreciate the invitation, Isabelle,” Maya said, her voice careful. “But I’ll need to think about it.”
Isabelle’s smile didn’t waver, though a flicker of something—amusement?—crossed her eyes. “Of course. I understand these decisions require some consideration. But I do hope you’ll join us. It could be... transformative for your career.”
Maya nodded, aware that Isabelle was right. This opportunity was a rare one, and declining it might be a mistake she couldn’t afford to make. But after the events of the night, her instincts told her to tread carefully. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there were undercurrents to this world she was just beginning to glimpse.
“I’ll let you know soon,” Maya promised, forcing a smile.
“Wonderful,” Isabelle said, her gaze lingering on Maya for a moment longer before she inclined her head slightly and moved away, her graceful exit leaving Maya with a sense of lingering unease.
As the night drew to a close and Maya made her way back to her suite, her thoughts were a chaotic mix of excitement and trepidation. Adrian’s intense presence still lingered, even though they had spent the remainder of the evening apart. She couldn’t stop thinking about the way he had looked at her, the way he had touched her.
In the quiet of her suite, Maya slipped out of her dress and into a silk robe, her mind replaying the evening’s events. She poured herself a glass of wine and stepped out onto the balcony, hoping the night air would help clear her head.
But all it did was remind her of the garden terrace, of Adrian’s kiss and the promise in his eyes.
She took a sip of wine, her thoughts returning to Isabelle’s invitation. It was an opportunity she couldn’t ignore, no matter how wary she felt. But it wasn’t just her career at stake—it was her heart. She had a feeling that if she accepted the invitation, she would be stepping into a world where the lines between her professional and personal life would blur, and there would be no going back.
Maya sighed, leaning against the railing as she stared out at the city lights. She had always prided herself on her independence, on her ability to navigate her life on her terms. But now, everything was changing. And she wasn’t sure if she was ready for it.
Yet deep down, she knew she would go. She had come too far to turn back now.
With that resolve, Maya finished her wine and headed inside, her decision made. Tomorrow, she would send her acceptance to Isabelle. And then, she would have to face whatever came next—whether it was her career taking off or her heart getting entangled in something far more dangerous
YOU ARE READING
Leading Us
RomanceMaya Sinclair has spent years building a life she's proud of-an acclaimed artist with a rising career, she's finally found her footing in the competitive world of New York's art scene. But just as everything seems to be falling into place, a chance...
