Chapter 156

• GUSTAVO
• ~•~
• I sat in the DeLuca Energy boardroom early that morning, sunlight streaming through the tall windows onto the polished table. The room felt quiet, just the low hum of the city starting outside. I reviewed final bids on my laptop, numbers glowing clear for the major contract against that stubborn oil baron. Securing it meant another leap, closer to real billionaire status. But my thoughts flickered to Valentina. Her recent distance, unanswered texts gnawing like an unresolved deal. That persistent partial attraction pulled at me, but I downplayed it. Professional first.