Weeks had passed since Hazel confronted Peter about his secret.
With the truth finally revealed, their relationship only grew stronger.
She felt a renewed sense of peace — for the first time in a long while, everything seemed to align.
Work, too, was back in full swing.
Hazel threw herself into expanding her company, determined to honor her parents' legacy and her own hard-earned success.
Her business was growing faster than ever, but with expansion came pressure — she needed investors, partners who could take her vision to the next level.
It was during one of her high-profile business conferences that she first saw him.
Standing near the private investor lounge was a tall, impeccably dressed man with striking features — sharp jawline, deep-set eyes, and an air of quiet authority that instantly commanded attention.
His tailored dark suit fit him like a second skin, and there was an undeniable magnetism about him.
He exuded both confidence and mystery.
Their eyes met briefly across the room.
Hazel quickly looked away, trying to remain composed, but she felt his gaze linger.
Moments later, one of her assistants approached her.
"Miss Hazel, there's someone who wishes to speak with you about a potential investment."
"Of course," she said professionally, still trying to shake off the strange electric feeling from earlier.
As she entered one of the private lounges, her breath caught for a brief second.
It was him.
The mysterious man stood as she entered, offering a charming smile. "Miss Hazel Brookes.
It's an honor to finally meet you."
She extended her hand, keeping her tone polite but guarded. "And you are?"
"Alexander Knight," he said smoothly. "CEO of Knight Enterprises."
Hazel's mind immediately recognized the name — Knight Enterprises was a global powerhouse. Old money. Serious influence.
"I've been following your company's rise for some time now," Alexander continued, his voice calm and deliberate.
"Your business model is impressive. I see tremendous potential.
Which is why I'm very interested in investing — heavily."
Hazel raised an eyebrow. "You've been following me?"
He smiled slightly, sensing her caution.
"Purely professionally, of course.
You're making waves in an industry many struggle to break into.
That caught my attention."
His voice was smooth, persuasive — but there was something else beneath it, something she couldn't quite read.
Before she could respond, Alexander leaned forward slightly, his eyes locking onto hers.
"I believe we can help each other, Miss Brookes.
I offer resources, connections, and capital that could catapult your company to levels you haven't even imagined yet."
Hazel nodded slowly, her business instincts recognizing both opportunity and danger.
This was exactly the kind of partnership that could change everything — but it felt too easy. Too perfect.
"Of course," she replied coolly.
"I don't make decisions on impulse.
I'll need to see full terms, projections, and due diligence reports."
Alexander's smile widened just a little.
"I wouldn't expect anything less.
I admire cautious women — they make excellent business partners."
As they exchanged business cards and parted, Hazel couldn't help but glance back at him one last time.
He was already watching her as if he had been waiting for her to look.
Their eyes locked for a fleeting moment before she turned away, her heart pounding slightly.
Who exactly is Alexander Knight?
And why does he seem so interested — not just in my business, but in me?