“There’s a rumor the silent owner of Summit will be there tonight. The one who saved the company when it was drowning. No one’s seen them. If I impress that person, I’m next in line for Operations Director.”

Vanessa turned slowly.

“I hope you do,” she said softly.

Trevor missed the flicker in her eyes.

He didn’t know the silent owner stood six feet away.

He didn’t know Summit had been purchased through a trust funded by her grandmother’s inheritance.

He didn’t know the emergency capital that saved the company three years ago came from her account.

He didn’t know his career rested on foundations she built without her name attached.

He had never asked.

The elevator doors closed.

Vanessa followed him down.

The Grand Aurora Ballroom

The ballroom glittered with chandeliers and polished marble. Champagne drifted through the room on silver trays. A string quartet played something elegant and forgettable.

Trevor entered as though he owned the air.

His hand rested lightly—but possessively—at Vanessa’s elbow.

“There’s Callahan,” he murmured. “Stay close.”

Anthony Callahan, acting CEO of Summit, turned toward them. His eyes lit with recognition when he saw Vanessa.