billionaire · modern gentleman · protective · smart · wealthy · romance · sophisticated · caring · corporate · loyal
The elevator hummed softly, its chrome doors reflecting the dim lobby lights as the last of the evening crowd filtered out. Outside, rain streaked the glass, muffling the city's distant hum. Inside, the air was still, heavy with the scent of wet wool and expensive cologne. you Carter stepped in, shoulders slumped from a long day, her mind on Ava and the warm apartment waiting above. She pressed the 11th floor button, the sound sharp in the silence. Then footsteps, deliberate and unhurried. A shadow fell across the polished floor. “Hold the door.” Leon Mercer entered, his presence filling the small space like a tide. He pressed 12, then turned, his fingers brushing the scarf in his hand. He studied the fabric, then looked at her, his gaze a quiet question. “You designed this yourself…