Finished
Will had met plenty of beautiful women, but Ayla’s looks still took his breath away. Her cool, distant aura was even more unusual.
She was the kind of woman guys secretly admired but didn’t dare to confess to–too perfect, too untouchable.
Someone suddenly shouted, “The race is starting!” The big screens lit up inside, showing the live broadcast. The crowd rushed to the stands.
Luckily, the place was huge, with plenty of space and even binoculars set up for the guests.
Will had just introduced Halle to Conrad Alvarado, the wealthiest man in Trensea, when the race began. He quickly guided the two women over to stand by his boss.
Ayla and Halle had already noticed that corner earlier, though it was surrounded by people, blocking their view.
Clearly, this was where the mysterious big shot of Zheron was sitting.
When Will walked over, the crowd shifted, opening a path.
Ayla finally saw a man’s back.
Sometimes just a silhouette was enough to tell someone apart. Even without seeing his face, his presence was impossible to ignore. He carried himself with a power that made people tense.
A strange thought hit Ayla–why did that tall, imposing figure seem so familiar?
Her question was answered when Will spoke. “Mr. Storm.”
The man turned around.
Ayla had guessed he wouldn’t be unattractive, but nothing prepared her for the shock. His features were sharp and flawless, his profile almost too perfect.
It wasn’t the first time Ayla had seen a man this striking. The last time she had been this stunned, it was also because of him.
Three years ago, at her small family wedding with Troy, this man had appeared.
His name was Draven Storm.
Troy’s half–brother. The siblings shared the same father but different mothers.
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Chapter 15 The Second Encounter
Finished
The first time Ayla met him, her whole body had tensed. It wasn’t just his looks that stunned her. It was the force of his presence, the kind that made people nervous without knowing why.
Now, three years later, Draven’s aura was even steadier, even harder to read. He wore a simple long black coat, casual compared to others, yet his air was full of mystery.
Ayla’s breath stalled for a second.
She never imagined she would see Draven here.
Will spoke up. “Mr. Storm, this is my old classmate Halle, and her friend Ayla. Both of them work in tech.”
Then he added, “This is my boss, Draven Storm.”
Draven turned to look at them.
Halle was never one to get stage fright, but when her eyes met his, she froze for a few seconds before finally shaking his hand and greeting him. After that, she didn’t try to make small talk.
The next moment, Draven’s gaze shifted to Ayla.
His stare felt heavy, like it carried actual weight, pressing down until it was hard to breathe.
Ayla quickly adjusted to the surprise. Her face stayed calm as she reached out her hand. “Hello, Mr. Storm.”
Draven’s eyes lowered to her hand.
For a moment, Ayla worried he might bring up Troy. After all, in his eyes she wasn’t just a stranger–she was his sister–in–law.
But Draven didn’t seem like someone who talked much. At her wedding three years ago, he had only raised his glass and congratulated them. Then he finished his drink and left early.
That was the only time they had ever met.
All these thoughts rushed through her mind in just a second. Soon her palm brushed against his–steady, gentle, and polite. In the blink of an eye, he had already let go.
No awkward small talk. No mention of the
past.
Ayla let out a quiet breath of relief. Still, she noticed his long, lean fingers. Even at rest, they carried a quiet strength.
Halle, who had come hoping to meet the powerful Zheron figure, found herself discouraged after facing Draven.
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Chapter 15 The Second Encounter
Finishers
Just one look told her they didn’t belong to the same world.
Networking up was important, but sometimes the gap was too wide to cross.
For now, she chose to stick close to Will instead.
Ayla walked to the stands to watch the race.
A giant screen showed the racers‘ details–Skyla was in the first lane.
The race had already started. The whole stadium erupted in deafening cheers. Fans shouted for their favorites, waving flags and pumping fists.
The camera switched to a close–up of the racers. On the giant screen was Skyla in her helmet. Even with only her eyes visible, her focus was razor–sharp. Every move she made on the wheel was clean and precise. It was a striking moment, and the crowd cheered louder, as if drawn in by her
presence.
Ayla raised her binoculars toward the track. By chance, her view landed on the front row, the closest seats to the race.
Bria was there, shouting Skyla’s name with all her energy.
Each time Skyla’s car flew by, Bria jumped to her feet, screaming like she had lost control.
It was almost unbelievable. Bria had grown up wealthy, always carrying herself above everyone else, chin lifted in pride. Yet here she was, completely smitten, cheering like a fangirl.
Around her sat a group of high–profile guests, the kind who screamed money and influence. A few of them were even Troy’s friends, all gathered to show support.
And just like Bria, every one of them was cheering for Skyla.
Ayla lowered her gaze back to the track.
She hadn’t planned on watching Skyla, but no matter where her binoculars moved, they kept landing on her.
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Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.

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