Chapter 1

Levi. Manhattan, New York City. Present day...

I sat spellbound in the Ruthford family box, watching the show as the graceful dancers leapt in the air, in synchrony to the music that filled the entire theater. I couldn't remember the last time I sat enraptured by a show. The entire theater, filled with golden lights, was quiet, except for the music played by the orchestra on the stage. Everyone, it seemed, was as entranced as I was, watching the dancers.

But while they were all mesmerized by the lead dancer, I was captivated by the gracefulness and beauty of the ballerina dancing at the rear end of the performers. Sure, the lead dancer was extremely beautiful—her skin flawless and her steps like a graceful swan. But the dancer at the rear, she was a goddess.

The young beauty, an earth nymph. Her satin, sable skin shimmered under the stage lights. Her limbs moved lightly, like a goddess of the night, pouring her elegance onto the stage. My gaze was fixed on her face, which radiated such profound beauty. Her presence was magnetic, drawing my attention away from everything else in the room.

As I watched her, I felt a stir of curiosity and admiration I hadn't experienced in a long time. It was a feeling of genuine intrigue, one that had been absent since Belle. A slight shadow of the past threatened to cloud my thoughts at that name, but I forcefully shoved it aside.

The thunderous claps that erupted from below forced my thoughts back to the dancers, who were taking their bows. My eyes remained fixed on the same ballerina. I decided right then to send her a token of my appreciation for her exceptional performance.

"Blake," I called to my manager beside me. "I want you to do something for me." I turned my gaze back to the ballerina, who was still waving to the audience. "Find out about that ballerina at the rear—the one to the right."

"Yes, Sir." Blake nodded, preparing to exit the box.

"Send her a bouquet of red roses from me," I added. "And once you find her, call me. I'd like to speak with her personally."

Blake nodded and exited the box, while I sat back, watching the stage empty, her image still etched in my mind.