Emma Spencer.

“And that concludes my presentation on educational innovation. Thank you all very much for attending.”

Patrick Sheldon, the dean of the university, says, “Ladies and gentlemen, this was the keynote presentation by Dr. Spencer, interim professor at Stanford’s University.”

I can see how the audience stands up, applauding me. Some shout, “Well done!” and I can’t help but smile.

I step off the stage and come face to face with the university’s principal benefactor, Mr. Peter Bennett. He is the most coveted billionaire in the country.

I look at the gigantic man standing in front of me. Extremely tall, a wall of pure muscle, brown hair a little longer on top than on the sides, almond-colored eyes, full lips, powerful jaw, and freshly trimmed beard.

He wears a black suit, tailored. Attractive, manly, every woman’s dream, which makes your panties wet, just by looking at him.

With a perfect smile drawn on his lips and his fixed eyes looking at me intensely, he tells me with a husky and seductive voice. “What a great presentation, Dr. Spencer. I am absolutely amazed by your intelligence.”

I open my eyes wide, not knowing what to say. Never had a man flirted with me, complimenting my intelligence. It really is refreshing. I smile at his words and tell him. “Thank you for the compliment, Mr. Bennett. Now if you’ll excuse me, I must go. Apart from Dr., I am a mother, and I must go pick up my little girl. It was a pleasure to meet you.”

I witness as his smile fades and transforms into a cold, dark and... downright terrifying look. I swallow hard and don’t wait for him to respond. All I want is to get away from there. I say goodbye to everyone, apologizing for not being able to stay at the reception and quickly go to my car. As I go to start the engine, a knock on the glass snaps me out of my train of thought. I look up and see it’s Mr. Bennett, again.

I lowered the glass and told him. “Did you miss something, Mr. Bennett? I’m sure there are plenty of women in there, willing to do whatever you ask.”

He raises an eyebrow and says. “And you, Dr.? Are you not willing to please me?”

I frown and tell him. “Excuse me, Mr. Bennett, but it is not my job to please you. I think you’re confusing me with someone else. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must go.”

“Wait a moment, Dr. Spencer. I apologize for my comments said, but please answer me. Are you married?”

I hang my head to the side, thinking about his question. It is true that the reason why I got married is still controversial, to say the least. I look at my hands and see that I don’t have my wedding ring. Maybe that’s why he’s asking. I look into his eyes and see how they shine with anticipation of my response.

He approaches my face, wanting to listen to me. I can smell his scent, which invades me, makes my pulse speed up and... frankly, makes my mouth water. I shake my head in confusion and reply curtly, “Yes, I am.”

Then, I go to raise the glass when he stops me, again, saying. “Is he your fated mate?”

I frown and ask him. “What do you mean? Do you believe in fated mates? I didn’t know you were a romantic, Mr. Bennett.” I can’t hide my mocking tone. He opens his eyes, sighs, and tells me. “You have no idea what I’m talking about, do you?”

“To tell you the truth, Mr. Bennett, I have absolutely no idea what you are referring to. Now if you’ll excuse me, please, I really need to go. I must go look for my daughter.”

I see how he opens his eyes wide and with his hand on the window he stops me again, saying, “Do you have a daughter? How old is she?” I frown, annoyed by the questioning, as I say. “Frankly, Mr. Bennett, it’s none of your business. Good afternoon.”

I roll up the glass, start the engine, and leave that place at full speed. I see the time, 3:45 p.m. I’m just in time to pick up Maddie from kindergarten.

While I’m driving, I receive a call. I answer and listen to my mom through the speakers. “Daughter, it’s good that you answered me. How was your conference?”