she replayed Donovan's words in her mind. Was Alexander really behind the scheme? Had he lied to her, m

d suit, his expression unreadable. He moved with the same effortless grace she ha

voice deep and calm. "What's going on?

ice tight with emotion. "He knows about the documents, about everything.

he silence between them stretched until it felt suffocating.

mix of anger and fear. "That you've been part of this from the beginning. And

there was a flicker of something in his e

w. "He's trying to manipulate you, Emilia. He wants you

demanded. "Your name is all over them, Alexander. It looks like you've been working with Dono

ly. "I was never working with Donovan. Yes, my name is on those contracts, but that doesn't mean I was part of his sch

acing. "Forged? Why didn't

as people in high places-people who can make evidence disappear, who can make witnesses vanis

truth? Or was this just another layer of deception? She had spent years uncovering lies,

otect you, Emilia," he said quietly. "I warned you to stay away from Donovan b

against her arm. The touch sent a jolt of electricity through

he start?" she asked, her voice barely ab

hurt. I've made mistakes, Emilia. I've done things I'm not proud of, but everything

eaning. Emilia's heart raced as she looked into his eyes, see

hat about Donovan?" she asked, her voice steady. "What i

trying to take over Grayson Enterprises for years, using every dirty trick in the book. The offshore a

ked, frowning. "Why is h

ted. He glanced away, as if weighing

ally said, his voice low. "Something personal. Years ago, bef

kipped a beat. "

mething that went terribly wrong. I walked away from it, but Donovan didn't. Ever since t

deeper than she had ever imagined. But before she could ask any

noise. The glass doors to the balcony had been shat

no

at Alexander. "You should've taken my offer, Grayson," he said, hi

f Emilia, shielding her from Donovan. "Get o

You always thought you were better than me, did

nder repeated, hi

into his coat pocket and pulled out a small

breath caught in her throat as she wa

said, his voice cold. "Walk aw

onovan's, his expression unreadable. For a momen

ing Donovan to the ground. The two men struggled, grapplin

er seen Alexander like this-so raw, so primal. His usual calm and composed de

d bang echoed t

freeze, the gun clattering to the ground be

ng his side where blood began to pool. His face twis

issed through gritted teeth. "You

ving as he caught his breath. "It's ove

leading to a balcony. Alexander stands over Donovan, who lies wounded on t