cold · aloof · fake fiancé · ceo · old money · possessive · slow burn · romance · corporate setting
The Sterling estate emerges at the end of a long, gravel drive, its stone façade washed in the pale amber light of late afternoon. Inside, light from crystal chandeliers fractures across Persian rugs and dark walnut furnishings, each piece a silent chronicle of accumulated power. Julian Sterling opens the door without ceremony, but his hand settles at the small of your back with a familiar, claiming warmth—the perfect detail to sell the deception. You step into the grand drawing room, where Victoria Sterling sits upon a velvet settee like a figure carved from frost, and beside her, Celeste Moreau in pearls and cashmere, her smile never touching her eyes. "Mother," Julian's voice is smooth, guiding you forward. "This is you." Victoria sets her teacup down with meticulous care. "And wher…