The days following the gala were a blur for Mia. The city's skyline, which she usually found calming, now seemed oppressive, as though it was closing in on her. Every morning, she woke up in her penthouse, overlooking the bustling streets below, but the view didn't offer the same sense of peace it once had. Her thoughts kept drifting back to Liam Bennett—the man who had walked into her life like a storm, leaving a trail of questions in his wake.
She had told herself she was done with him after that brief interaction at the gala. He was just another wealthy heir, playing his game, trying to charm her like he had undoubtedly done with countless other women. But there was something different about him, something in the way he looked at her with an intensity that neither flattered nor intimidated her, but intrigued her. That was the problem, wasn't it? Mia Collins, the independent, headstrong businesswoman, never let anyone get under her skin. And yet, Liam Bennett had done just that.
But she didn't have time for distractions. She had a meeting scheduled with her team at the design firm, and this was no time to get caught up in fantasies about a man she barely knew. Her mind had to stay focused, especially with the upcoming launch of her latest project. There was too much at stake for her to let some billionaire heir mess with her.
As she entered her office, the sleek, modern space with its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city, she was greeted by her assistant, Anna, who stood up from her desk and approached her with a stack of files.
"Good morning, Ms. Collins. I have the updated designs and the client feedback you requested," Anna said, her voice professional but warm.
"Thanks, Anna," Mia replied, taking the files from her. She flipped through them quickly, her mind still partially elsewhere, but she tried to focus on the task at hand. She didn't need any distractions today.
The door to her office suddenly opened, and her best friend, Harper, strolled in without knocking. Harper was the one person in Mia's life who could always manage to make her laugh, and right now, that was exactly what Mia needed.
"Mia!" Harper grinned, dropping into the chair across from her desk. "I heard you survived the gala last night. I bet you were the life of the party."
Mia raised an eyebrow, setting the files aside. "You know I hate these events. It's all just… business. Pretending to be someone you're not, just to fit in."
"Yeah, but you're always the star of the show," Harper teased, leaning back in the chair and crossing her legs. "Everyone knows you, Mia. You're the heiress, the beautiful, independent woman who's too smart for any of these rich playboys."
"Stop," Mia said, rolling her eyes. "You're making it sound like I'm some kind of trophy. I'm just here to keep my family happy and do the job I've built for myself."
Harper chuckled, her eyes glinting mischievously. "You say that, but we both know the truth. You hate being boxed into that 'perfect' image. And speaking of 'perfect,' I heard something interesting about a certain billionaire from Bennett Enterprises."
Mia froze, the blood in her veins running cold. She knew exactly where this conversation was going. "What do you mean?"
Harper smirked, clearly enjoying the effect she was having on Mia. "I've heard some whispers, Mia. People have been talking about a certain Liam Bennett. Seems like you two had a little chat at the gala, and rumor has it, you didn't exactly shy away from him. Care to tell me what happened?"
Mia clenched her jaw, trying to keep her composure. "We exchanged a few words. That's all. No big deal."
Harper leaned forward, raising an eyebrow. "Really? Because the way I hear it, the two of you looked like you were having a private conversation. Something tells me there's more to it than just a 'few words.'"
"I'm not interested in him, Harper," Mia replied quickly, a little too quickly. "He's just like every other rich, entitled man in this city. He's probably just looking for someone to pass the time with."
Harper's expression softened, but the teasing spark never left her eyes. "You're saying that, but deep down, I know you're curious. There's something about him, isn't there? You wouldn't be avoiding him if there wasn't."
Mia shifted in her seat, her fingers tapping nervously on the desk. She hadn't expected to have this conversation so soon, but Harper always knew how to dig beneath the surface. "I don't know. He's… different. But I don't have time for this, Harper. I've got a business to run."
Harper's smile faded slightly, sensing the change in Mia's tone. "You don't have to justify anything to me. But don't shut yourself off, Mia. You deserve to have a little fun. You deserve to be happy, not just work yourself to the bone."
Mia sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. She knew Harper meant well, but the pressure was always there. Her family, her career, the image she had to maintain—it all weighed heavily on her. She didn't have the luxury of exploring her emotions or falling for someone who could complicate everything. Especially not someone like Liam Bennett.
"Alright," Mia said after a long pause. "But no more talk about him, okay? I've got a lot of work to do."
Harper raised her hands in mock surrender. "Fine, fine. But just remember, if you change your mind, I'm here for all the juicy details."
Mia chuckled softly, though her mind was already elsewhere. She turned her attention back to the files in front of her, though she found it hard to concentrate. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw Liam's dark, penetrating gaze and the way he seemed to see right through her. She couldn't shake the feeling that their brief encounter at the gala wasn't just some coincidence. He hadn't been flirting with her—he'd been studying her, analyzing her.
And for the first time in a long while, Mia felt a flicker of something she didn't recognize. Something that made her want to know more about the man who had stirred something deep inside her.
---
Liam's mind wasn't any less occupied. He had spent the last few days thinking about Mia, analyzing their brief interaction at the gala. She had been cold, distant even, but there was something in her eyes, something raw and unguarded, that made him want to break through her walls.
He hadn't expected the encounter to affect him the way it had. He'd met countless women before, all eager to throw themselves at him, to bask in the glow of his name, his wealth, his status. But Mia… she wasn't like the others. She hadn't seemed impressed by him in the slightest, and that was what intrigued him.
The chase, Liam thought to himself, was always the most thrilling part. And Mia Collins? She was a challenge.
He leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing as he gazed out over the city skyline from his office at Bennett Enterprises. He knew that if he wanted to see her again, he'd have to take the lead. He couldn't let her slip away, not without getting to the bottom of what had sparked that undeniable connection between them.
A slow smile spread across his face as he picked up his phone. He wasn't used to chasing after women, but Mia Collins had made it clear that she wouldn't come to him. He'd have to go to her.
And he always got what he wanted.