Prologue

The ballroom of the Grand Sapphire Hotel sparkled with sophistication. Crystal chandeliers dangled from the ceiling, casting a warm light over the gathering of philanthropists, celebrities, and business leaders who had come together for the annual Cancer Research Donation Ball. This was a night where the affluent donated generously, networked, and occasionally engaged in a bit of social matchmaking.

Amidst the sea of elegant gowns and tuxedos, two impeccably dressed women stood by the champagne bar, engrossed in conversation.

“Linda, I can hardly believe it. We’ve been trying to set them up with different people for ages, and nothing ever works,” said Margaret Dane, the matriarch of the Dane family. Her eyes scanned the room, but her mind was on her son, Carter—CEO of Dane Media, a major player in film, magazines, and sound. He was brilliant, ambitious, and—much to her dismay—still single.

Linda chuckled softly, taking a sip of her champagne. “I know exactly what you mean, Margaret. My Lina is just as hopeless. She’s built her own tech company from scratch, creating groundbreaking technologies. I’m so proud of her, but every time I try to steer her towards her personal life, she just brushes it off.”

The two women had connected through their shared charity work, and over time, a casual acquaintance had blossomed into a genuine friendship. As they exchanged stories about their children that evening, they were struck by how remarkably similar their situations were. Both Carter and Lina were so dedicated to their careers that they seemed to have no time for relationships.

“I just don’t understand it,” Margaret sighed. “Carter has it all—wealth, charm, success. Yet every blind date I arrange ends in disaster.”

Linda nodded in agreement. “It’s the same with Lina. She’s running a tech empire that’s already making a significant impact in the industry, but when it comes to personal relationships? It’s a total no-go.”

They shared a knowing look, an idea starting to take shape between them.

“Hold on a second,”