She didn''t shrink back from Franco''s provocations. Instead, she fought back- hard.


    And when it came to real ability, she made Franco look like a fool.


    Every question he threw her way, she answered with effortless confidence.


    There was no denying it: she was exceptional.


    A woman whobined beauty and brains was hard to resist.


    Noah had made up his mind-he was going to pursue Ste.


    So, he had someone look into her background and soon knew much more about her.


    She was divorced and had a child.


    Even though Noah himself had never been married, in their modern, cosmopolitan world, it hardly counted as a scandal.


    When he found out she was a gifted violinist, Noah managed to get his hands on an invitation to an exclusive music symposium-hoping it would be just the thing to win her over.


    Mr. Walden was known for being picky about his protégés, but as a member of the powerful Sylvaris n, Noah had no trouble securing a ticket.


    But unlike his previous girlfriends who either epted gifts outright or acted coy before relenting-Ste surprised him.


    She asked what was expected in return.


    Noah had always thought that giving a woman a gift was just what men did.


    But he was nothing if not tactful. Smiling, he said, "Franco is one of the judges on our panel. His outburst caused Ms. Cameron quite a bit of grief today. This invitation is simply to make amends."


    Ste arched an eyebrow. "And how did you know I yed the violin, Mr. Noah?”


    "I''m a fan of yours, Ms. Cameron," Noah replied smoothly.


    But Ste was no naive girl to be easily swayed by ttery.


    Of all the ways topensate her, he just happened to offer exactly what she needed most-a ticket to the symposium?


    On any other day, Ste would have refused.


    But right now, she needed that invitation.


    "So, Mr. Noah, what do you need from me in return?"


    Noah could tell Ste was not the type to ept favors lightly, and didn''t press her.


    "Your French is impressive, Ms. Cameron. Our team is looking for someone young, talented, and


    fluent-just like you to help with


    trantion. Would you be


    interested?"


    Ste hesitated. "Most of my work is performing. I''m not sure I could manage a trantion job on top of that..."


    "There''s no need to worry," Noah assured her. You wouldn''t have toe in every day-just when our team needs you and you''re


    avable. Most of our assign


    are music-rted, which happens to be your forte. As forpensation, we offer a fifty percentmission based on the contract value. We''ll also cover all your travel and living expenses. And if there''s a breach of contract on the client''s side, you''ll still receive fifty percent of the penalty fee."


    Noah''s offer was generous-almost too good to be true.


    After all, his trantion team operated at a world-ss level, far beyond the reach of ordinary agencies.


    Their contracts were worth several times, sometimes dozens of times, the industry average.


    To join his team would be a win in every way.


    And on top of that, it could open doors to meeting renowned musicians.


    Ste weighed her options, then smiled and agreed.


    "Alright."


    Noah extended his hand. "Then, Ms. Cameron, I look forward to working with you."


    Ste shook his hand politely. "Likewise, Mr. Noah."


    ...


    Solmaris, the Williams estate.


    A young woman, graceful and poised, sat by the floor-to-ceiling window, scrolling through the news on her phone.


    "Coleman, looks like Raven Williams is trending online again."


    The young man across from her barely looked up. "Seems like she''s been in the spotlight a lottely."


    The woman took a delicate sip of


    tea. "Maybe Raven just wants to prove herself-to show Dad


    brothers what she''s capable ot


    her