As the woman's fingers touched his, Austin felt an electric jolt. Her mask glinted in the light, concealing her identity but not the spark of intelligence in her eyes.
"May I have this dance?" Austin asked, drawing her onto the dance floor.
The orchestra's melody enveloped them, a sultry tango that matched the tension building inside Austin.
"You're not here for the charity, are you?" Austin whispered, his breath against her ear.
Her laughter sent shivers down his spine. "Perhaps I'm here for the same reason as everyone else – to see the great Austin Blackwood fall."
Austin's grip tightened. "And what makes you think I'll fall?"
Her voice was a velvet whisper. "Rumors of embezzlement, bribery... The shadows surrounding Blackwood Industries are growing darker."
Austin's eyes narrowed. Who was this woman, and what did she want?
The music swirled around them, the other dancers fading into the background.
"Tell me," Austin demanded, his voice low and urgent. "What's your name?"
The woman's mask seemed to slip, revealing a fleeting glimpse of vulnerability.
"Ember," she whispered.
Austin's heart stuttered. Ember – a name that conjured images of fiery passion and burning secrets.
As the music ended, Austin held Ember's gaze, the connection between them crackling like a live wire.
But beneath the allure, Austin sensed danger.
He couldn't let his guard down.
YOU ARE READING
Shadows of Deceit
Romantik**Book Description:] "Austin Blackwood, the ruthless and enigmatic CEO of Blackwood Industries, has always gotten what he wants, no matter the cost. But when his new personal assistant, Ember Thompson, walks into his life, he's faced with a desire h...
