The private dining room on the second floor of *L’Aura* was designed for intimate, high-stakes celebrations. With its sweeping views of the city skyline, soundproof mahogany doors, and a custom-built twenty-seat marble table, it was the crown jewel of Clara’s restaurant

"The vote is canceled," Victor said smoothly, finally turning his predatory gaze onto Simon. "Because as of ten minutes ago, you no longer hold a single share of equity in this company."

The boardroom descended into a suffocating, absolute silence. The five members of the res

Four hours later, the grand ballroom of the Pierre Hotel was a blinding sea of flashing cameras and glittering chandeliers. The annual Michelin-star gala was the culinary event of the season, a highly publicized night where fortunes were made and careers were shattered.