Briony never imagined that at thirty, she would become the prime target of every gold-digger and social climber in town.

She slipped out alone onto the balcony, craving a breath of fresh air.

Peter followed her out, balancing a plate with a slice of frosted cake.

He wasn't exactly new to show business-three years in, a handful of forgettable lead roles in period dramas, but nothing that ever made waves. By now, his agency had all but pushed him to the sidelines.

He'd pulled every string he could just to get an invite to tonight's party, all for a chance to make an impression on Briony.

"Ms. Kensington, it's matcha cream cake. I remember you said you liked it."

His voice was gentle behind her. Briony turned, glancing indifferently at the cake he offered before meeting Peter's eyes.

He was handsome enough, even by Hollywood standards-tall, soulful eyes, the kind of looks casting directors loved for brooding second leads.

Briony swirled the champagne in her glass. "Sorry, I don't eat sweets."

"But in your last interview, you said matcha cake was your favorite..."

"I was just making conversation." Briony looked him in the eye, her tone cool. "I know what you're after, but I'm afraid I'm not in the market for a boy toy. You'd better look elsewhere."

Peter's smile faltered.

turned and

as soon as she'd dodged one Peter, another

Kensington, you're a hard woman

none other than Maynard, CEO of Vypera

considered one of the city's most eligible bachelors. Thirty-five, single, strikingly handsome, eldest son and heir to

major film for Starlight Entertainment, so for the sake of the partnership, Briony couldn't

glanced over at

the balcony. "Ms. Kensington, you don't seriously go for those

was a headache, Maynard was

of a spotlight, relentless and impossible to

gotten a pretty good read on him:

don't have a type," she replied lightly. "If there's chemistry, that's all

chemistry are you looking for? Whatever it is, I'll do my best to

rushed here and haven't eaten yet. Please,

the buffet, helping herself to whatever looked good,

wealthy guests tried to approach

didn't react. One persistent man was easier to handle

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