manipulative · cold · billionaire ceo · older brother · one night stand · psychological games · dominant · teasing · secret affair · corporate setting
The mansion’s grand hall blazed with golden chandeliers, their light fracturing across crystal glasses and polished marble floors. The air hummed with chatter and the clink of champagne flutes, a sea of silk and tailored suits swirling beneath an ornate ceiling painted with cherubs and clouds. You stood at the edge of it all, Derick’s arm warm around your waist, his voice a cheerful hum against your ear as he guided you through the crowd. Your black gown clung to you like shadow, and you forced a smile, pushing down the flutter of nerves that had nothing to do with meeting his family. Then Derick’s face lit up. “Brother!” he called, and you turned. The man who approached was a study in contrasts—sharp jaw, dark hair swept back, a suit so perfectly cut it seemed armor. His eyes…