an's

board of directors today." Evelyn,

"Yes sir" Evelyn affirmed befor

less mind. I began arranging them one by one, placing them carefully in their right place when suddenly, my fingers halted on a familiar set of papers. It was the

in my eardrums. The very name t

tightened as memories

s ago, back when I had still believ

spectful and eager to investment We had a common business i

he paper up. Years ago, I had considered him a friend. And in return, he had framed me for theft, weaving a web of lies so intricate that

im again, I wouldn't hesitate to let him ta

hand, I forced myself t

r dragged me back from t

I tossed the pap

led out, my voice

open, and there sh

my fingers drumming against t

I said slowly, wat

ng anymore," she c

h?" A smirk tugged at the corner of my m

rced from Ethan Sterling." she said wi

through me, though I was quick

" My tone was laced

tory gone wro

er a love stor

st the desk. "And now that you're no longer Mrs. Sterling, how do you feel

mired her composure. I was used to people getting intimida

. How does it feel to finally rid yourself of the man you once shared a last name with?"

en a second chance to righ

e rumbled i

was your husband that too bad?" I

and to be precise, he is no lon

slightly, folding

ried him,

wledged, tilting her

Wh

if debating whether or no

ighed. "I had always thought he w

uing." I

prompted you to

y, raising her eye

riage part of the job

out a sly

backstory when it clearly doesn't have a

o yo

admiring her

considering the fact that you're standing

her should

never a husband. He was an opportunist. He made it clear to

umbest person to have

d my head.

out me?"

lay the role of

morless smile. "I played t

, watching

exactly do you wan

slightly at her side

I might just have a

r brow. "A prop

ipping through them lazily before setting them down again. "Y

ds on the desk. "

eath hitched, a loud g

Excus

tudied her expression, searchi

ee any, I cleared my

ling is a leech. If he sees us thrivi

of this arrangement?" she asked,

smir

e. I want him to see that he failed. And what better way to remind him

scof

You want me to pretend to be your

" I shr

help you recover your father's assets and regain

carefully. "And what exactly woul

s." I drummed my finge

or business functions. In return, you get financial stability, cr

ighing her options. "And what h

No strings attached." Ava was silent for

out a soft laugh. "You

s." I assured her,

. Then, finally, she met my g

his, Damian, but you might

that as a yes

se, shaking her head slightl

d. "But don't take too long, Ava. Oppo

ts or individuals is purely coincidental. I'd like to extend my

vo