Prologue

PROLOGUE

T he gentle clinking of champagne flutes and the melodious tinkle of laughter filled the opulent penthouse overlooking Central Park. Sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a warm glow over the gathering of New York's elite book clubers. At the center of it all sat Gerri Wilder, her silver-white bob gleaming as she raised her glass in a toast.

"To Cat and Keir," Gerri proclaimed, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief and satisfaction. "May their love story be as epic as the journey that brought them together."

A chorus of "hear, hear," echoed through the room as the women sipped their blueberry mimosas. Gerri settled back into her plush armchair, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. Another successful match, another happily ever after. It never got old.

As the excitement of the toast died down, Mara Ashford and Letty Madden approached Gerri, settling onto a nearby settee. Both women exuded an air of elegance and success, but there was an undercurrent of maternal concern in their expressions.

"Gerri, darling," Mara began, her voice low and tinged with curiosity. "Earlier, you mentioned something about a surprise regarding our children. Care to elaborate?"

Letty leaned in, her warm brown eyes alight with interest. "Yes, do tell. You've piqued our curiosity."

Gerri's smile widened, a cat-that-ate-the-canary grin that spoke volumes. She set her mimosa on a delicate side table and folded her hands in her lap. "Well, my dears, it seems your little cubs are about to cross paths in a most interesting way."

Mara's perfectly shaped eyebrow arched. "Zy? My son is many things, Gerri, but ‘little' isn't one of them."

"Neither is my Elliot," Letty chimed in, a hint of pride coloring her tone. "Though I suppose next to Zy, most people would seem... diminutive. Especially a woman like my Ellie."

Gerri chuckled, the sound rich and knowing. "Size isn't everything, ladies. But in this case, it's the size of their ambitions that has me intrigued." She paused for effect, enjoying the way Mara and Letty leaned forward expectantly. "I hear there's quite the gaming convention coming up. One where both Ashford Entertainment and Madden Gaming will be showcasing their latest and greatest."

Understanding dawned on Mara's face. "Ah, yes. Zy's been working himself to the bone preparing for it. He's convinced this new console will revolutionize the industry."

"And Elliot's new game is set to debut there as well," Letty added, her expression a mix of pride and concern. "She's been pouring her heart and soul into this project."

Gerri nodded sagely. "Indeed. Two brilliant minds, two innovative companies, one high-stakes event. It's a powder keg of potential, wouldn't you agree?"

Mara's brow furrowed slightly. "Potential for what, exactly? A corporate showdown? Zy can be quite... intense when it comes to business."

"That's putting it mildly," Letty muttered, earning a sharp look from Mara. "Oh, come now. We all know our children can be a tad... competitive."

"A tad?" Gerri repeated, her tone dripping with amused sarcasm. "My dears, your offspring redefine the word. But that's precisely what makes this so exciting."

Mara shifted in her seat, her designer dress rustling softly. "Exciting? Gerri, you can't possibly be thinking of... No. Absolutely not. Zy and Elliot? They'd tear each other apart!"

Letty nodded in agreement. "As much as I'd love to see Elliot find someone, I'm not sure pitting her against a man like Zy Ashford is the answer. She's had enough heartbreak to last a lifetime."

Gerri's expression softened, a touch of compassion tempering her mischievous grin. "Ah, yes. The infamous divorce. Nasty business, that. But my dears, you're missing the forest for the trees here."

"How so?" Mara asked, her tone cautious but curious.

Gerri leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Think about it. When was the last time either of your children met someone who could truly challenge them? Someone who could match their drive, their passion, their intellect?"

Letty and Mara exchanged glances, a spark of realization flickering between them.

"It's been... a while," Letty admitted. "Elliot's always complaining that the men she meets are either intimidated by her success or trying to compete with it."

Mara nodded slowly. "And Zy... well, let's just say his standards are impossibly high. He claims no one understands the pressures of his position."

Gerri's smile was positively feline now. "Exactly. But what if they met someone who not only understood those pressures but thrived under them? Someone who could push them to be better, to reach even greater heights?"

"You really think Elliot and Zy could be that for each other?" Letty asked, a hint of hope creeping into her voice.

"Oh, I don't think," Gerri replied with a wink. "I know."

Mara still looked skeptical. "But they're rivals, Gerri. Their companies are constantly vying for the same market share. How could that possibly lead to romance?"

Gerri's laugh was like the chiming of bells. "My dear Mara, haven't you heard? There's a fine line between love and hate. And an even finer one between competition and attraction."

"But surely," Letty interjected, "there's more to a lasting relationship than just professional compatibility. What about their personal lives? Their interests outside of work?"

Gerri's eyes twinkled with secretive knowledge. "Oh, you'd be surprised at how much they have in common. Did you know they both have a penchant for late-night anime marathons? Or that they both volunteer at the same youth coding program, albeit on different days?"

Mara and Letty exchanged surprised glances. "How do you know all this?" Mara asked, a note of suspicion in her voice.

Gerri tapped the side of her nose. "A good matchmaker never reveals her sources. Let's just say I have my ways."

"But what about their personalities?" Letty pressed. "Elliot can be so headstrong, so determined to prove herself."

"And Zy's not exactly known for his patience," Mara added. "He expects perfection from everyone around him."

Gerri nodded, acknowledging their concerns. "True, true. But consider this: who better to understand the drive to succeed than someone who shares it? Who better to appreciate the pressure of expectations than someone who's lived under them their whole life?"

She leaned back in her chair, her expression turning thoughtful. "You know, in all my years of matchmaking, I've learned one very important lesson: the strongest relationships aren't built on similarities alone. They're forged in the fire of complementary strengths and shared challenges."

"What do you mean?" Letty asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Gerri's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Think of it like this: Elliot's creativity and innovative spirit could be the perfect balance to Zy's strategic mind and business acumen. His experience in the industry could help her navigate the pitfalls she's still learning to avoid. And her fresh perspective could breathe new life into his more traditional approaches."

"And their competitive natures?" Mara inquired, still sounding doubtful.

"Ah, that's where the magic happens," Gerri replied with a sly grin. "Imagine the sparks that will fly when they first clash. The tension, the challenge, the thrill of finding an equal. And then, as they begin to recognize the value in each other, that competition could evolve into the most exhilarating partnership."

Letty's expression softened, a glimmer of hope shining in her eyes. "When you put it that way, it does sound rather exciting."

"But how can you be so sure?" Mara pressed, ever the pragmatist. "What if their rivalry overshadows any potential for romance?"

Gerri's smile turned mysterious. "Let's just say I have a feeling about this one. A very strong feeling. The kind that's never steered me wrong before."

Before Mara or Letty could respond, a commotion from across the room drew their attention. Several women had gathered around, their eyes fixed on Gerri with a mixture of curiosity and hope.

"Gerri, darling," called out a statuesque blonde in a designer suit, "is it true you're taking on new clients? I simply must book a consultation for my Harold. He's such a catch, but he can't seem to find the right woman."

A petite brunette chimed in, "Oh, yes! And my Stephanie could use your expertise as well. She's been so focused on her career, the poor dear."

Gerri held up a hand, her expression amused but firm. "Ladies, ladies. All in good time. Every match requires careful consideration and planning. You can't rush perfection, after all."

The women nodded eagerly, already jockeying for position to be next in line for Gerri's magical matchmaking touch.

Turning back to Mara and Letty, Gerri's expression softened. "As for your two," she said, her voice low and filled with promise, "I have a feeling we won't have to wait long to see sparks fly. Keep your eyes peeled at that convention. You might just witness the beginning of something extraordinary."

"Excuse me, Gerri…" one of the other ladies interrupted and started asking questions, but Gerri still eavesdropped on Mara and Letty's conversation.

"Do you really think it's possible?" Letty asked softly, turning to Mara. "Our children, finding happiness together?"

Mara's gaze was distant, focused on the spectacular view of Central Park beyond the windows. "I don't know," she admitted. "But if anyone could make it happen, it's Gerri."

Letty nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "She certainly has a way about her. It's almost... magical."

"Indeed," Mara agreed, her tone thoughtful. "Though I can't help but wonder what other surprises she might have up her sleeve."

Gerri's gaze met Mara's and Letty's for a brief moment, and she gave them a playful wink.

Letty chuckled softly. "I suppose we'll just have to wait and see. But one thing's for certain..."

"What's that?" Mara asked, tearing her gaze away from Gerri's antics.

Letty's smile widened, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Life's certainly never dull when Gerri Wilder's involved."

Mara laughed, the sound rich and warm. "Truer words were never spoken, my friend. Truer words were never spoken."

As the afternoon wore on, the penthouse continued to buzz with excitement and speculation. Women huddled in small groups, discussing potential matches and sharing stories of love found and lost. But through it all, Gerri moved with purpose, her silver-white hair catching the sunlight as she wove her way through the crowd.

To the casual observer, she might have seemed like any other socialite, enjoying a day of champagne and gossip. But those who knew her best understood the truth: behind those twinkling blue eyes lay a mind constantly at work, piecing together the intricate puzzle of human connection.

And as she cast one last glance at Mara and Letty, still deep in conversation on the settee, Gerri allowed herself a moment of quiet satisfaction. The seeds had been planted. Now, it was only a matter of time before they blossomed into something truly spectacular.

With a decisive nod, she turned her attention back to the other ladies, ready to work her magic once more. After all, love waits for no one.

Gerri found herself cornered by a group of eager women, all clamoring for her attention.

"Gerri, darling," cooed a statuesque redhead, her voice dripping with honey, "you simply must tell us your secret. How do you always know which couples will work?"

Gerri's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Now, now, ladies. A magician never reveals her tricks."

"Oh, come now," pressed a petite blonde, her designer dress sparkling in the fading sunlight. "Surely you can give us a hint? We're all dying to know."

Gerri chuckled, shaking her head. "It's just a gift."

The women tittered excitedly, hanging on her every word. Gerri basked in their attention for a moment before gently extricating herself from the group.

As she made her way through the crowd, Gerri caught snippets of conversation floating around her.

"Did you hear about the Johnsons? Gerri matched them last fall, and now they're expecting twins!"

"I heard she's matched women with two men at the same time. Can you imagine?"

"They say she has a sixth sense for these things. Like she can see the red strings of fate or something."

Gerri smiled to herself. They weren't far off.

As she approached the bar to request a fresh round of mimosas, Gerri's thoughts drifted back to Elliot and Zy. There was something special about this potential match, a spark of possibility she couldn't quite put her finger on. It wasn't just their professional compatibility or their shared interests. There was an energy there, a tension waiting to be ignited.

"Penny for your thoughts?"

Gerri turned to find Mara standing beside her.

"Oh, just pondering the mysteries of the heart," Gerri replied. "And perhaps plotting a little mischief."

Mara's lips quirked into a knowing smile. "Why do I get the feeling that my son is at the center of this mischief?"

Gerri's eyes danced with amusement. "Now, Mara, you know I never kiss and tell. Or in this case, match and tell."

"Mmm," Mara hummed, unconvinced. "Just promise me one thing, Gerri."

"And what's that, my dear?"

Mara's expression softened, a hint of vulnerability peeking through her usual composed facade. "Promise me you'll be careful with Zy's heart. He may seem tough on the outside, but..."

"But he's got a heart of gold underneath all that corporate armor," Gerri finished for her. She placed a comforting hand on Mara's arm. "I promise you, Mara, I would never do anything to hurt Zy. Or Elliot, for that matter. My goal is to bring happiness, not pain."

Mara nodded, visibly relaxing. "I know, I know. It's just... well, you know how mothers worry."

Gerri's smile was warm and understanding. "Of course, I do. And that's precisely why I do what I do. To ease those worries and bring a little more love into the world."

As if on cue, a burst of laughter erupted from across the room. Letty was at the center of a small group, regaling them with what appeared to be a highly entertaining story.

"Speaking of bringing more love into the world," Gerri said, a mischievous glint in her eye, "I believe your partner in crime is in need of rescue. Shall we?"

Mara glanced over at Letty and chuckled. "I suppose we should."

Gerri chuckled. "Don't worry. Soon enough you'll both be celebrating your children's match. Mark my words."