The city glittered beneath Aria Bennett's heels as she stepped out of the taxi.
Skyscrapers pierced the night sky, their glass windows glowing like stars. At the center of it all stood Knight Global Tower, the most powerful corporation in the city.
And tonight, she was walking straight into its heart.
Aria adjusted the sleeve of her black dress and stared up at the building.
"Alexander Knight," she whispered.
The name tasted like poison.
Five years ago, her father had lost everything. His company, his reputation, and eventually his life. The newspapers had called it a business failure.
But Aria knew the truth.
Knight Global had destroyed him.
And now, she was here to return the favor.
Inside the tower, the lobby shimmered with marble floors and golden chandeliers. Wealth practically floated in the air.
A security guard stopped her.
"Invitation?"
Aria handed him the card with a calm smile.
Tonight was the annual Knight Global gala, where the richest and most powerful people in the city gathered.
Which meant one thing.
Alexander Knight would be here.
The elevator doors opened silently, carrying her to the top floor. As the doors slid apart, music and laughter filled the air.
Men in tailored suits.
Women in sparkling gowns.
And at the center of the room…
Him.
Alexander Knight stood near the glass wall overlooking the city.
Tall. Dark suit. Cold expression.
The most powerful billionaire in the room—and the man Aria had spent five years preparing to destroy.
Her fingers curled slightly around her clutch.
This is it.
She stepped forward.
But before she could take another step, Alexander's eyes suddenly lifted.
And locked directly onto hers.
For a moment, the entire room seemed to disappear.
His gaze was sharp, calculating… almost dangerous.
Like a predator that had just spotted something interesting.
Alexander Knight slowly raised his glass.
Then, without breaking eye contact, he said something to the man beside him.
The man turned, scanning the room.
And then he started walking toward Aria.
Her heartbeat quickened.
Impossible.
She had planned everything perfectly.
So why did it suddenly feel like Alexander Knight already knew who she was?