Chapter 10: Chapter X- Sharks, Silk & Secrets

The boardroom of the Premier Hotel glittered with power. Men of power and influence were seated room the table. Sleek marble, low lighting, and a panoramic view of the Los Angeles skyline set the stage for men who never showed their full hand.

Callum arrived exactly on time — not a second early, not a second late. Control was a dialect here, and he was fluent.

Julian stood when he saw him, lean, dapper and composed in his tailored custom navy suit. Callum barely spared a glance at the two other men at the table before taking his seat.

“Your admirers,” Julian muttered under his breath.

“Which one’s the problem?” Callum asked, nodding toward the older man with the Rolex and the younger one who looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here.

Julian’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Both. But Michaeli's the real threat. He’s circling the Venice property like a vulture.”

Callum’s jaw clenched. “It’s not for sale.”

“That hasn’t stopped him from making offers behind your back. I have received a lot of intel from our investors that he has been trying to pitch them shares if he is able to acquire the property.”

Callum turned his attention to Michaeli. “You think money makes you bold. But you forget who you're trying to play.”

The man chuckled, unfazed. “You’re good, Guerrero. But you’re not invincible. Everyone has their price.”

“Mine is loyalty,” Callum said coldly. “And no one at this table can afford that.”

There was a beat of silence. Tension crackled between cigars and scotch glasses.

Julian smoothly changed the subject, pivoting to contract terms and permits, but Callum barely listened. His mind drifted — to Ariana’s sleepy smile, the way her voice had trembled with something real that morning. He’d crossed into new territory with her. No woman had ever seen past the power and polish. She had.

And now he was here, back in the cage.

“— and there’s a media inquiry about you and the girl,” Julian said in a lowered voice, dragging Callum back to the present. “Tabloids are circling. You sure you want to go public tonight?”

Callum didn’t hesitate. “Yes.”

“Then we need to tighten the story,” Julian warned. “Make it clean, romantic. People love a reformed devil.”

“She’s not part of the game,” Callum said sharply. “She’s not to be messed around by anybody. Treat it accordingly.”

Julian studied him. “You’re catching feelings.”

“I’m securing leverage,” Callum lied smoothly. But even as the words left his mouth, they felt thin.

Michaeli stood and offered a stiff smile. “If you’re maintaining your stance on not wanting to sell then fine but I’m sure we’ll talk again. When you’re more reasonable.”

Callum didn’t respond. Just watched as the men walked away.

Julian waited a beat. “This girl—Ariana. Is she worth the storm that’s coming?”

Callum downed the rest of his drink and stood. He didn’t respond but deep down he knew she was the eye of it.

..................................

Ariana stood in front of the full-length mirror, barefoot and wrapped in a fluffy white robe, her damp hair pulled into a bun. The penthouse suite looked even more beautiful as the sun began to set. The late afternoon sun casting everything in warm gold.

She still hadn’t quite gotten used to all this — the luxury, the lifestyle, the feeling that her life now moved at a pace she hadn’t agreed to. But today, she would step into the spotlight — as Callum Guerrero’s “fiancee.” The role came with its own costume.

The knock at the door was brisk, confident. Bringing her out of her deep thoughts.

Ariana opened it to reveal a tall, slender woman, in designer sunglasses and a high bun, followed by two assistants wheeling garment bags and makeup cases.

“You must be Ariana,” the woman said, stepping in like she owned the room. “I’m Sienna. And I’m here to ensure that you look fabulous.” She said with so much excitement.

Ariana blinked. “Hi. I—um—wasn’t sure what to expect. I’ve never had a glam session.”

Sienna took off her sunglasses and gave her an appraising once-over. “Don’t worry. You’re better than expected. Great bone structure. Legs for days. But we’ll polish the diamond.”

She snapped her fingers, and one assistant unzipped a sleek black gown shimmering with subtle crystals.

Ariana gasped softly. “That’s…”

“Custom Versace,” Sienna confirmed. “Callum was very specific. Said you needed to look like his entire world.” She arched a brow and added with a smirk, “That man has never requested a second fitting for anyone. Not even himself.”

Ariana tried to play it cool, but her stomach flipped. “He did?”

Sienna gave her a knowing look. “You must be something special. Guerrero doesn’t date. He acquires. Controls. But this—” She gestured to the sea of gowns, heels, and velvet ring boxes lining the suite. “—this is not just about control.”

Ariana bit her lip. Unsure of what to say. It seemed like the stylist and Callum were familiar and she didn’t want to give anything away.

“So do you have any look in mind?” Sienna said, as she circled her with a tape measure. “I know you both are going public tonight so I would suggest something bold, that screams confidence. His eyes told a different story when he called me. Possessive. Quietly frantic. Like someone who’s found something too valuable to lose. I want to create a look that resembles the passion that I see between you both”

Ariana looked away, unsure what to say. Her feelings for Callum were evolving— like heat rising in a locked room.

“Now,” Sienna said briskly, clapping her hands. “We have five hours to turn you into the woman the world will whisper about tomorrow. Hair, makeup, shoes, and this dress. Let’s make them jealous. Let’s give the tabloids some content.”

As Ariana stepped into the gown and caught her reflection again — sleek, stunning, almost unrecognizable — she couldn’t help but wonder who she was becoming.

And whether this version of her was just an illusion…