ys. Addison's skin prickled as the door opened, the gust of heat hitting her like a wall. She stepped off the plane, her sandal

uxury SUV that had been waiting

he materials for the deal presentation b

as J

do this. She could handle him. After all, her brother

liant white, trimmed with deep blue. The air was infused with the scent of saltwater and tropical flow

meticulously curated. Addison tried not to let her discomfort show, but there was something unsettling about the world Justin

ark contrast between the luxury and the forced smile of the staff. Justin ha

alf-cup of coffee in hand. "I need to get a few things set up before Justin arrives. Can you ma

a tightness to her chest. "I'm not sure how much

e a little longer. We're almost there." He glanced over his shoulder toward the

mpathy for her brother. She knew he was just trying

ice when she heard Justin's unmistak

n the doorway, his sharp features scrunching as he surveyed the grand space like it was a dil

son

clearly struggling to hold her ground. "I'm sorry, Mr. Ross. We'll ensur

nderstand what I asked for? Just do it

use the tension. "Mr. Ross," she said, keeping her tone even, "I'm sur

flaring with sudden, intense scrutiny.

remain composed. "Pete's sister. I'll

ready shifting back to the staff. "I need results." He waved a

ike she might burst into tears. But she didn't speak up. Instead, she forced a tight

ople around them. Was it really that difficult to show a little app

est of the villa, Addison stood still for a moment, allow

as she followed him into the expansive conference room to prepare for the meeting, Addison knew s

his arrogant posture, the sharp edges of his words-she felt that

ches clicking softly against the floor. "I've set everything up. Just make sure he

the task ahead settling heavil

swallowed her whole? How long before she became

g. She was caught between wanting to do right by her brother and keeping her own integrity

eal test, and Addison knew she c