"Did you need something?"
Danielle gripped the phone a little tighter. "It's Niki. She wants to go skiing for winter break, and she wanted to invite Raffy."
"I wanted to ask if you had the time... to come with us?"
Silence hung on the line for a brief second before Alexander's low chuckle resonated through the speaker. "Of course. I always have time."
"I'll go anywhere you and Niki want to go."
"That's great," Danielle breathed a sigh of relief. "I was worried you'd be too busy."
"No amount of work is more important than you."
Alexander shifted gears seamlessly. "Do you have a resort in mind yet? If not, I can have my team book something. Safe and fun, guaranteed."
Danielle smiled. "I haven't even had time to look. You handle it. I trust you."
"Done."
Alexander added, "I'll start looking at options tonight. I'll make sure it's the perfect vacation."
They chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up.
Setting her phone down, Danielle stared out into the night, the smile on her face lingering for a long time.
The second the call ended, Alexander immediately opened his browser, aggressively researching top-tier ski resorts in the area.
-
Early the next morning.
The moment Danielle stepped into her office at Ninesky Technologies, her secretary rushed in, looking slightly bewildered. "Ms. Crawford, there's a woman named Ella downstairs. She says she's a European partner and brought a comprehensive business proposal."
Danielle's pen paused mid-air. The name Alexander had mentioned last night instantly clicked in her brain.
She arched an eyebrow, thinking for a split second. "Send her up. Have her wait in the reception room."
Setting her documents aside, Danielle smoothed out her skirt and walked down the hall.
As she reached the doorway, she saw a woman in a sharp white suit standing by the floor-to-ceiling windows, her back turned.
Her long, blonde curls perfectly framed her striking features.
Hearing footsteps, Ella spun around. A flawless, corporate smile instantly took over her face as she extended a hand. "Ms. Crawford. I've heard so much about you."

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