Page 13 of Her Naughty Billionaire

The moment Danforth’s voice comes through, laced with a familiar arrogance, I cut to the chase. "I hear you have what I need."

"Thorn," he drawls, a note of amusement evident. "What could you possibly want with tickets to the Hopeful Futures Gala?"

“That’s none of your concern. Name your price.”

After a brief silence, Danforth throws down the gauntlet. “They’re not for sale.”

I pause, letting the silence stretch. "What if I told you that I know about your little venture in the Cayman Islands? The one that skirts just this side of legality?"

There's a sharp intake of breath on the other end. "You're bluffing."

"Am I?" I lean back in my chair, satisfaction coiling within. "Maybe the Financial Conduct Authority would be interested?"

There's a heavy pause. When Danforth finally speaks, the arrogance is gone, replaced by begrudging respect. "Fine. The tickets will be at your office by five."

"Good choice," I reply, hanging up.

I take a deep breath, the call with Danforth having taken less out of me than the one I'm about to make. Dialing the number for the Carter Family Foundation, I wait for her voice, the one that manages to intrigue and infuriate me simultaneously.

"Sophia Carter speaking."

The professionalism in her tone instantly sets me on edge. "Sophia," I begin, attempting to keep my voice even. "I've arranged something special for this evening."

“Victor?” she asks, momentarily taken aback.

“Who else would it be?”

Her sigh resonates through the phone. "Victor, we agreed on two public appearances per week. You can't just demand more of my time."

I roll my eyes, even though she can't see it. "This isn't for me. It's for you."

There's a beat of silence. "What's that supposed to mean?"

The words almost catch in my throat. Why am I doing this? It's not like me to deviate from the plan. "It's something I think you'll appreciate. A cause close to your heart."

Her suspicion is palpable. "And how do you know what's close to my heart?"

"The Hopeful Futures Gala," I say.

There's a moment of stunned silence. I can almost hear the cogs turning in her head, processing the gravity of what I've just shared. While the Carter Family Foundation does have its outreach to underprivileged youth, Hopeful Futures supports a broader range of programs. Attending the gala would allow her to network, possibly finding allies or partners for her foundation while reaffirming the Carter family's position in high society.

"How did you—"

"It doesn't matter," I cut her off.

There's a long pause before she relents. "Alright. But only because I've wanted to attend this for so long."

A surge of satisfaction flows through me. "Good. Be ready by eight o’clock."

Ending the call, I lean back, pressing my fingers against my temples. I've managed to land tickets to one of the most exclusive events of the year, not for business, not for reputation, but for her. Why?

Her fire and defiance are drawing me in, making me rethink my strategies and act out of impulse rather than calculated moves. With Sophia Carter, the game is changing, and for the first time, I'm not in complete control. And the frightening part? I'm not sure I want to be.

The Larkspur Club's Grand Ballroom never looked so opulent. Gold and crystal shimmer everywhere, the sparkling chandeliers casting a warm glow on the marble floor, where couples dance to the soft strains of a live orchestra. There's an elegance in the air, a reverence for the cause it supports.

The massive double doors open, and as Sophia and I enter the ballroom, all conversation seems to dull into a whisper. Her arm linked with mine, she's a vision. The deep blue of her gown contrasts strikingly with her pale skin, and it hugs every curve, making it nearly impossible for me to look away.

I can't help but feel a twinge of pride. I might've wrangled the tickets in less than honorable ways, but bringing Sophia here feels like a win, not for the show of it, but for the light in her eyes, the softness of her smile.

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