. "The details are unimportant. What is important is that he meets all of your criteria. His family is re

to satisfy a family obligation just as much as you need a husb

word was the only currency she trusted in this city. She gave a singl

He dialed a number from memory and spoke in low, clipped tones. "It's me... It's han

nt international flight this afternoon. He has to leave immedia

ck. "Today? This is

side, Geneva. The Hayes family will not sit quietly for long. The sooner yo

breath, her mind shifting from shock to ex

ed a number on a piece of notepaper and pushed it across the desk. "This is his number. He knows who you are. You may

ng her of the mysterious professor, but she push

his request for years. "Including a prenuptial agreement that is ironclad in your favor. He and his legal team have already approved it." He paused, a t

nyone agree to that? Anothe

go to City Ha

hirlwind of logistics designed to

, bowed her head slightly to the old ma

l hand on her shoulder. "Don't thank me yet," he murmured, almost

to turn back. But she had made her choice. There was no other way. Her life was about to pivot on a si

t happening within her. She pulled out the piece of paper with the phone

th a magnetic quality that seemed to vibrate through the phone. It rem

va Gr

She had heard that voice before. She was sure of it. But

plied, her tone all business.

voice clipped and professio

eel tighter. She was about

The air was thick with the scent of jet fuel and anxiety. She smoothed down her coat, compo

ear the entrance, her eyes scanning

ly older, she thought. A serious businessman. Rel

d for fate, in whatever form it chose to