Victor leaned in, his lips brushing Isadora''s ear. He caught her earlobe gently between his teeth, his voice low and impossibly seductive. "Be good. Let me hear you call me ''darling.""


    His warm breath danced against her skin, sending a shiver straight through her. Just thinking about the way his lips had moved over herst night made her pulse race all over again.


    If she stayed in his arms a second longer, Isadora was sure she''dpletely lose herposure. She scrambled upright, disentangling herself in a hurry.


    "I-I have to get to work! I''m going to bete!"


    *


    The Vaughan Group.


    Once Isadora arrived at the office, her assistant, Inman, knocked and entered with his usual professional efficiency to go over her schedule.


    "President Vaughan, your interview with Pulse News is set for three o''clock this afternoon. It''ll be a one-on-one, but there''ll be a live audience as well. Most of the questions will focus on the rumors sparked by yourst press conference."


    Inman hesitated before continuing. "Pulse News has a massive national following, but they''re also notorious for digging into personal lives and stirring up drama for ratings. I just want you to be prepared-they''ll probably ask some very personal questions..."


    Isadora''s phone chimed on the desk. She half-listened to Inman as she nced at her messages.


    Victor: Darling, what time do you finish work tonight?


    Victor: I''lle pick you up, okay?


    Victor: And don''t forget, you owe me something you didn''t say this morning. Make it up to me tonight.


    He was already checking when she''d be done and she''d barely started her day. Typical Victor.


    Still, as Isadora''s finger brushed over the screen, a small, helpless smile tugged at her lips.


    "President Vaughan?"


    Inman paused, uncertain, seeing her distracted by her phone but clearly amused by whatever she''d read. He wondered if she''d heard a word he''d said.


    Isadora quicklyposed herself. "Carry on as nned."


    Inman hesitated, then nodded. All he could do was hope today''s interview didn''t spiral into another PR disaster.


    Three o''clock arrived.


    vel


    The Pulse News studio was bright and spacious, the ceiling soaring high overhead. Rows of powerful spotlights lit the stage, and a handful of camera operators hovered at the edges, adjusting their angles. Nearly five hundred people filled the tiered seating, all eyes fixed on the stage.


    Today''s interview was being broadcast live.


    Under the dazzling lights, Nicol, the anchor, took the microphone and began her introduction.


    "After The Vaughan Group''s recent press conference, public curiosity about President Vaughan''s personal life has skyrocketed. That''s why we''ve invited Isadora here today to answer your questions directly."


    "Please wee the CEO of The Vaughan Group, Isadora Vaughan!"


    The audience erupted in apuse as Isadora appeared. She wore a ssic Chanel suit, its tailored lines entuating her slim waist, the skirt moving gracefully with each step. She crossed the stage with poise and sat opposite Nicol, exuding calm confidence.


    Nicol greeted her with a polished, professional smile. "President Vaughan, thank you for joining us on Pulse News. Would you like to say a few words to everyone watching at home and here in the studio?"


    Turning slightly, Isadora faced the


    camera. "Hello, everyone. I''m Isadora Vaughan, CEO of The


    Vaughan Group. I''m sorry that personal life has caused such a stir, and I''m here today to set the record straight."


    Nicol nced at her notes, ready to dive into the trending topics. "Before we get


    to the big question-who exactly is your boyfriend?—the audience has a few things they''re dying to know."


    Of course, Nicol understood that Isadora was here to address the rumors directly,


    but dragging out the suspense was essential for ratings.


    Isadora nodded. "Go ahead."


    "So, first—what kind of person is your boyfriend?"