“Thank you. The goal is always to make the work accessible while honoring its depth.”
He nods, sipping his drink, his gaze steady but unreadable. Probably due to time spent in board meetings and negotiations. “You’ve certainly succeeded. Your childhood in Africa must’ve been an extraordinary experience.”
“It was.” My smile softens at the memory. “It gave me a broader perspective on the world. Beauty and hardship, progress andstruggle. My parents always said it was impossible to leave that place unchanged.”
“They sound like remarkable people. You must have inherited a great deal of their passion for understanding others. How long were you there?”
“We moved when I was two.” The memories flicker to life in my mind: the bright sun, the sprawling landscapes, and the sense of wonder only a child could fully grasp. “We stayed until I was seven, and then we came back to the States.”
Stanton nods, his expression thoughtful. “Five years at such a formative age… That must have left a deep impression on you.”
“It did. It shaped the way I see people, communities, the world. My parents always immersed themselves in their work, and even at that age, I could see the impact they had on those around them.”
He drinks his beverage slowly, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that feels polite but unwavering. “An admirable legacy.”
“Thank you.”
Dr. Corbin steps forward then, her timing impeccable. “Victor, I’m glad you had a chance to speak with Geneva. She’s the best example of what this department can achieve.”
“Undoubtedly,” Stanton says, his gaze flicking to me one last time. “Dr. Andrews, it’s been a pleasure. I look forward to seeing how your work continues to evolve.”
“And I appreciate your support.”
As he turns and disappears into the crowd, I release a breath. Dr. Corbin gives me an encouraging pat on the arm. “He likes you,” she says with a grin. “That’s a good thing for us.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
As we move on to the next introduction, my thoughts return to Ghost. Throughout every handshake and every polite laugh,I can’t help but search for him. My gaze darts to the corners of the room, to the shadows that the light doesn’t quite reach. He’s nowhere to be seen.
Eventually, I hit my limit for socialization. I offer a gracious smile to Dr. Corbin. “If you don’t mind, I need to step out for a moment. Just to catch my breath.”
She waves me off with an understanding nod. “Of course. Take all the time you need. These things can be overwhelming.”
I weave through the crowd, my heels clicking against the marble floor as I slip past clusters of guests. The hotel venue is beautifully decorated, but I don’t appreciate it enough to stop, so I continue heading toward the balcony.
The cool night air washes over me when I step outside, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the enormous ballroom. For a moment, I simply close my eyes and breathe, letting the stress in my shoulders fade.
“Nice speech, Doc.”
CHAPTER 43
GENEVA
I whirl around, my breath caught on a scream that doesn’t come. At first, I almost don’t recognize Ghost, even this close to him. The transformation to his appearance is unnerving, but it’s still him. The intensity in his eyes is unmistakable.
“What are you doing here?” I flick my gaze toward the terrace doors, my pulse spiking. “You shouldn’t be here.”
“And yet, here I am.” He straightens, stepping away from the railing. His tailored suit blends perfectly with the upscale crowd inside, but the cold edge in his smirk is what sets him apart. “You made me a star tonight. It felt rude not to attend.”
“That wasn’t about you,” I snap, my heart racing. “It was simply an opportunity to elevate my career.”
“You’re a pretty little liar.”
I fold my arms and pin him with a glare. “You need to leave.”
He steps closer, invading my space, and the scent of him, underlined by magnolia, envelops me. Why is every facet of this man a mind-fuck?
I try to push past Ghost, but he yanks me into his embrace,closing his arms around me. The contact is heady. The warmth of his body, the strength of his arms, and the way his muscles flex beneath my touch. It’s all too much.
