Chapter 3 THE DEFIANCE DANCE

"Lucas"

Although I wasn't shocked, the encounter hadn't gone as expected. With the wounds I had left behind, Elena's walls were now strengthened, making her a fortress. As I left her office, the hurt of what she had said hit me harder than any lost business contract.

It wasn't simply a bargain, however. It was Elena.

I took out my phone as I got into the backseat of my vehicle and called my personal assistant, Max.

He replied, and I immediately added, "Give me the specifics of Carter Luxe's upcoming major event."

The spring collection premiere gala, is that correct? "What?" Max inquired.

"Yes. Discover everything. Please send me an invitation before tomorrow.

A pause ensued. I get it, Mr. Montgomery. Is there anything more?

My voice was forceful as I answered, "No." "Just bring it to pass."

Leaning back, my thoughts racing, I ended the conversation. If Elena believed she could keep me out, she was very wrong. This was to demonstrate my seriousness, not to coerce her hand.

Even though she may despise me today, I would show her the man I had grown into.

"Elena"

The shop was a hive of activity as my crew got ready for the gala. Stylists argued over accessories, models hopped between fittings, while Mia stood at my side, chatting away updates.

"The press releases are ready to go, the venue is confirmed, and the guest list is finalized," she continued, hardly catching her breath. "But the final menu still needs to be approved."

I nodded absently as my mind continued to ruminate over Lucas's surprise arrival.

With her palm raised in front of my face, Mia exclaimed, "Earth to Elena." "You alright?"

"All right," I pretended to grin. "I just have a lot on my mind,"

She didn't press, but she did raise an eyebrow. Tell me if you need a break, then. You have been working tirelessly.

I sighed and rubbed my temples as she drifted off. I had to make Carter Luxe a household name at the event, so I couldn't afford any distractions, particularly Lucas.

But despite my best efforts, I couldn't get his words out of my head.

"I just want an opportunity to put things right."

I shook my head, dismissing the idea. He was not worthy of another opportunity.

"Lucas"

It was an absolutely amazing gala. Towering flower displays, sparkling chandeliers, and soft golds and whites adorned the lavish ballroom in the center of Manhattan.

I entered and looked around the throng while fixing my cufflinks. I planned to locate Elena, who was someplace here.

I strolled into the room, murmurs trailing behind me, and heads turned. Although there were benefits to being Lucas Montgomery, I just had one person in mind tonight.

She had a scarlet gown that hugged her contours, and her black hair was styled in an attractive twist when I saw her close to the stage. Her presence commanded the room, and she was dazzling.

I just observed her for a while as our former memories came rushing back. However, nostalgia was not appropriate at this moment. I was on a quest.

I murmured, "Elena," moving into her field of vision.

Her eyes narrowed as she turned to face me. "Why have you come here?"

I smirked and said, "Enjoying the event," disregarding the jabs in her eyes.

"This is a private event," she said icily. "No one invited you."

I answered, "I was, in fact," and held out the invitation Max had obtained. "And I have to admit that you have surpassed yourself."

Although her jaw tensed, she remained silent. She turned instead and started to go.

As I followed her, I yelled, "Elena, wait."

With tight shoulders, she halted and faced me once again. Lucas, what are you after?

"Just to talk," I said.

"We've already spoken," she yelled. "And I said there was nothing else to say."

I took a step forward and spoke more softly. "You're not saying that."

She had a spark of wrath in her eyes. "Assume nothing about what I mean. Lucas, you don't know me anymore.

I blurted out, "Then let me get to know you again," before I could stop myself.

She merely looked at me for a while, her face inscrutable. After that, she shook her head and let out a sour chuckle.

"You haven't changed," she said. "You still believe that with enough effort, you can achieve anything you desire."

I was left standing there, irritated, when she turned and vanished into the throng before I could reply.

The Cliffhanger:

Although Elena is adamant about keeping Lucas at bay, his tenacity poses a danger to the barriers she has set up. In the meanwhile, oblivious to the impending storm, Lucas is pulled more into his attempt to win her back.

How will Lucas demonstrate his transformation? Can Elena withstand the attraction of their undeniable chemistry?