Standing beside him was Vanessa Blake.
Young, elegant, and strikingly beautiful.
She was exactly the kind of woman Adrian often described as someone who “fit his image.”
Her manicured hand rested possessively on his arm as she smiled warmly at everyone who approached.
“Congratulations, Adrian,” one senior executive said while shaking his hand. “Vice President before forty. That’s impressive.”
Adrian responded with a practiced smile.
“I earned it,” he said smoothly. “This company rewards excellence.”
Another executive leaned closer.
“I heard the Supreme Chairwoman may actually attend tonight.”
The comment immediately drew attention.
“What?”
“She never appears publicly.”
“I thought nobody even knew what she looked like.”
For years, the founder of Vanguard Dominion had become almost mythical. Rumors surrounded her constantly. Some claimed she lived abroad. Others insisted she was elderly, secretive, and completely detached from public life.
No one truly knew the truth.
The executive lowered his voice.
“If she personally attends tonight, Adrian, it could change everything for you.”
Adrian straightened proudly.
“Naturally. I’m the company’s most successful VP. It makes sense she’d want to meet the man helping carry her empire forward.”
Vanessa laughed softly.
“And honestly,” Adrian added while pulling her closer, “look at us. We represent exactly what this company stands for.”
Beauty.
Power.
Status.
“A perfect match,” Vanessa agreed.
