hed the booth,

, with sharp, intelligent eyes and a calm, professional demeano

he said, a litt

as it had been over the line. He gave a slight nod. "Please, si

irl of confusion and disappointment a

envelope on the table a

d, his voice devoid of emotion. "This is hi

e envelope and pulled o

the title at the top of the f

n Carlisle. Party B: Mia Hayes. Term of marriage: one year. Compensation to Pa

ness proposal. A proposal for her

her mouth opening slightl

she fina

suitable. Your background is uncomplicated, and you are in a position of extr

tterly transactional. It felt less lik

her lips. "So I'm just a commodi

t way. Or you can see it as an opportunit

own at the c

ay

t made it so

ng to take care of everyone around her. And now the only sol

ightened arou

pens if I

d calm. "Then Mr. Carlisle

wer surp

sure. Manipulation. S

s simply prese

ued. "You require money. He believes this is

tract, caught between

ed thousan

ve herself

e the life that

ame with

d the fol

ome time

course. Take what

nd unreadable, but somehow that

here was no o

e was ent