Ezekiel Chen sat in his private office, the glow of the city’s skyline filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows. A faint smile played on his lips as he reviewed the details of his latest scheme. His fingers traced the edge of a polished crystal tumbler, filled halfway with an aged whiskey that he hadn’t yet touched.
The invitation was already prepared, sent out to the most prominent figures in the entertainment industry. A grand dinner to unveil the cast and crew of Eclipsed Hearts, a new, highly-anticipated series that was already generating buzz in the media.
Daisy Croft, of course, had been offered the lead role, handpicked by Ezekiel himself.
The door creaked open, and one of his men entered, bowing his head low.
“Everything is in place, sir,” the man reported. “The dinner will be held at the Montefiore Hotel. Every major outlet and industry head will attend.”
“Good,” Ezekiel replied, his tone calm yet commanding. He leaned back in his chair, the shadows cloaking his sharp features.
“And Miss Croft?”
“She has accepted the role. Her agent confirmed her attendance at the event tonight.”
Ezekiel’s smile deepened, but there was no warmth in it.
“Perfect.”
—
Daisy adjusted her earrings as she checked her reflection in the mirror. The golden gown she wore shimmered under the warm lighting, hugging her figure gracefully without being ostentatious. It was Louis who had insisted on sending her a stylist for the evening, much to her annoyance.
“He worries too much,” she muttered under her breath, smoothing the fabric of her dress.
Yet, deep down, she appreciated his concern.
As she descended the grand staircase of the Montefiore Hotel, cameras flashed, capturing her every move. Journalists called out her name, eager for a statement. Daisy smiled politely but didn’t stop, her heels clicking rhythmically against the marble floor.
The ballroom was a sight to behold. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the elegant space, where tables were draped in pristine white linens and adorned with extravagant floral arrangements. Industry elites mingled, their laughter and conversation filling the air.
Daisy’s arrival caused a stir, heads turning to admire her presence. Yet, she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone’s gaze was heavier than the rest.
—
Ezekiel watched her from across the room, his expression unreadable. She was a vision, her confidence and poise drawing everyone in like a magnet. But to Ezekiel, she was more than a rising star. She was the center of a carefully orchestrated plan, the focal point of his unrelenting obsession.
He approached her slowly, his movements deliberate. When he finally reached her, Daisy turned, her smile faltering slightly as her eyes met his.
“Miss Croft,” Ezekiel greeted, his deep voice smooth as silk. “It’s an honor to finally meet you in person.”
“And you are?” Daisy asked, her tone polite but guarded.
“Ezekiel Chen,” he said, offering his hand. “The primary investor in Eclipsed Hearts. I’ve been following your work for quite some time.”
Daisy hesitated before shaking his hand. His grip was firm, his eyes studying her intently.
“Thank you,” she replied, her voice steady. “I’m excited to be a part of this project.”
“As am I,” Ezekiel said, a faint smile on his lips. “I have no doubt that you’ll bring something extraordinary to the role.”
Their exchange was brief, yet the intensity of Ezekiel’s gaze lingered in Daisy’s mind long after he walked away.
—
Louis wasn’t one to ignore a feeling of unease, and tonight, that feeling gnawed at him relentlessly. He had initially intended to join Daisy at the event, but a pressing business matter had delayed him.
Now, seated in his car en route to the Montefiore Hotel, his phone buzzed with updates from his men stationed discreetly around Daisy.
“She’s fine, sir,” one of them reported. “But there’s a man who seems unusually interested in her. Ezekiel Chen.”
Louis’s grip on his phone tightened.
“Chen,” he muttered, his tone dripping with disdain.
—
As the evening progressed, Daisy found herself repeatedly crossing paths with Ezekiel. Though he was charming and eloquent, there was something about him that unsettled her. He seemed to know too much about her, his compliments a little too precise, his presence a little too calculated.
At one point, she excused herself to step outside onto the balcony, craving a moment of solitude. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the crowded ballroom.
“You look troubled,” Ezekiel’s voice cut through the silence, startling her.
Daisy turned, masking her surprise.
“I’m just taking a breather,” she replied.
Ezekiel stepped closer, his gaze softening.
“Understandable,” he said. “The spotlight can be overwhelming, even for someone as brilliant as you.”
Daisy offered a tight smile, unsure of how to respond.
Before she could say anything, the sound of approaching footsteps made her turn.
“Daisy.”
Louis’s voice was a low growl, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene. He strode forward, placing himself between Daisy and Ezekiel.
“Mr. Chen,” Louis said, his tone cold. “I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Mr. Grant,” Ezekiel replied smoothly. “I didn’t expect you to join us so late.”
The tension between the two men was palpable, their unspoken rivalry hanging heavy in the air.
“Daisy,” Louis said, his eyes never leaving Ezekiel, “it’s time to go.”
Daisy looked between the two men, sensing the unspoken battle of wills. She nodded, stepping closer to Louis.
Ezekiel’s smile didn’t falter, but his eyes darkened as he watched them leave.
—
Later that night, as Louis drove Daisy home, his grip on the steering wheel was tight, his jaw clenched.
“Who is he?” Daisy finally asked, breaking the silence.
“Someone you don’t need to worry about,” Louis replied curtly.
Daisy frowned but didn’t press further.
In the shadows, however, she could feel the storm brewing.