Chapter 1 - The warm champagne
The skyline of Manhattan glowed like scattered diamonds against the night sky. On the rooftop of the Sterling Plaza, the bright, cinematic lighting illuminated the lavish celebration. Soft jazz floated through the crisp air, masking the nervous energy of the executives mingling near the glass railings. They were celebrating the acquisition of their struggling firm, a lifeline thrown by a faceless billionaire holding company.
At the center of it all stood Celeste Morgan. At thirty-nine, she was the undisputed queen of the evening, projecting an aura of glamorous, sophisticated condescension. She wore an extravagant silver evening gown that caught every flash of the ambient light, her fair, rosy complexion practically glowing. A heavy diamond necklace rested against her collarbone, matching the sparkling earrings that swayed as she laughed with her inner circle. She had orchestrated this buyout perfectly, securing her own golden parachute while leaving the company's mess for the new owner to clean up.
Moving quietly through the crowd of tailored suits and designer dresses was a waiter. He didn't fit the usual profile of banquet staff. Ruggedly handsome with a deeply masculine, commanding presence, he moved with a quiet intimidation that made people step aside without realizing why. His fair skin was slightly flushed from carrying heavy trays, his broad shoulders stretching the fabric of his cheap uniform. This was Daniel Mercer. No one here knew his name. No one knew he was the billionaire CEO who specialized in tearing apart companies just like this one.
Celeste took a sip from her glass and wrinkled her nose in disgust. She turned sharply, her heels clicking on the marble floor, and locked eyes with Daniel as he walked past.
"You," she snapped, gesturing with her perfectly manicured hand.
Daniel stopped, his expression unreadable, and turned to face her.
"This is unacceptable," Celeste said, her voice carrying over the music. She held out the glass. "It’s practically boiling."
Before Daniel could reach for the glass, Celeste tilted her wrist. She deliberately poured the entire glass of champagne directly onto Daniel’s chest. The pale liquid soaked into his white shirt, clinging to his chest. The surrounding executives gasped, then quickly stifled their reactions, eager to stay on Celeste’s good side.
If you can’t serve billionaires properly, go work somewhere cheaper, Celeste said coldly.
Daniel didn't flinch. He didn't break eye contact. He simply reached into his pocket, pulled out a white cloth napkin, and calmly began to wipe down his shirt. He watched her in total silence.
Celeste scoffed, turning back to the executives around her. She let out a high, calculating laugh, making a joke about the incompetence of the help these days. Her colleagues chuckled nervously, stealing glances at the towering waiter who remained perfectly still.
When Daniel finished wiping his shirt, Celeste turned back to him. She shoved the empty, sticky glass hard against his chest, forcing him to catch it.
May you like
And smile, Celeste said mockingly, her eyes gleaming with cruel amusement. The new owner hates bad service.
Daniel’s lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile, but his eyes remained ice-cold. He looked past her shoulder toward the elevator doors, which had just slid silently open, revealing a man who would change the course of Celeste's entire life.
