CHAPTER THIRTY SEVEN – THE CHARITY GALA

The Stockholm morning sun filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a golden glow across the penthouse. Kayla stirred, the faint echo of last night's passion lingering in her sleep-warmed body. Glancing at the clock, she realized with a jolt that it was already late. The charity gala was happening today, and Lance was nowhere to be seen. A flicker of irritation crossed her mind. Here she was, worried about the schedule, while Lance was still missing. She threw off the covers and headed towards the bathroom, a sense of purpose rekindling within her. Stepping out of the shower, towel wrapped around her, she found Lance pacing in the living room, phone pressed to his ear. His face was creased with worry. He ended the call with a frustrated sigh and turned to see her. "Kayla," he said, his voice laced with relief. "Good morning. I apologize for the late start. Work issues, wouldn't wait." Kayla wasn't one to coddle. "Work issues? On the day of a charity gala you're hosti