a private VIP lounge tucked away in a quiet corner of City

gal jargon, but the core message was clear: this was a business transaction. No emotional entanglement. Sep

fine print. She pushed the tablet ba

g the term of our agreement, you will use your resources to protect my un

cold eyes. She hadn't asked for money, or jewels, or status.

ll play the part of Mrs. Hernandez convincingl

e said witho

tylus. Jaxon made a brief phone call, and within minutes, a senior cl

n in her hands. Her name-Eliana Jordan Hernandez. It was surreal. Hours ago, she had been pl

helred & Co. The irony was

in corridor. The silence between them was heavy, c

n she s

Ethan and Ashley. They were laughing, ba

ddenly felt imp

wly married couples

w Eliana. Their smiles froze. But the panic in their eyes quickly tu

couldn't seem to comprehend the image in front

s were like chips of ice. She took a deep breath, and then, in a smooth, calculated

ormance

sion. He took a step forward, his voice accusatory. "Eliana

and sharp. "You must be Ethan Reed." He didn't offer a handshak

vated the voice record

"I'm sorry, Ethan. I forgot to tell you. I was a little busy today."

blow. Ethan and Ashley stared, thei

tered, his voice cracking. "T

. Then Ashley's phone started ringing. Then his again. A frantic, incess

color as he saw the news alerts flashing across his s

His carefully crafte

usation. He knew she was behind it. But with Jaxon Hernandez standing

er melted away, replaced by a

they're all lies. You have to believe me. You need to help me. We have to hold a

t he was accusing her of being insane, the next he w

rate face. A cold smile touched her

ed, loyal fiancée. "Of course, Ethan," she said, her voice sof