lays. Amanda Holson adjusted a framed piece on the wall, stepping back to assess its alignment. The gallery buzzed with activity a

. The single

ns stayed with her. Who had sent it? Was it Leonardo Castelli? And, if so,

her signature calm professionalism. "Aman

inked. "C

lipped but polite. "He called earlier and ex

. She forced herself to remai

al. "Good. Be professional. Men

was, standing tall and commanding in a tailored navy suit that exuded wealth and authority. Leonardo C

Amanda greeted,

eyes locking onto hers. "It's

king her unease with practiced profes

da spoke with precision and passion, describing the artists' visions and techniques.

alive," he said at one point, hi

y her own boldness. "It breathes through th

rling abstraction of dark and light hue

A struggle between two forces, neither entirely good n

smile tugging at his lips.

nder his gaze. "It's

corrected, his v

nterest extended beyond the art. His questions became more personal-how she got int

er voice tinged with nostalg

hough her words struck a chord. "Life has a w

them with a polite smile. "Mr. Castelli, thank you for v

rtunately, I have other obligations. But I do hav

but she didn't question him. "Of

gestured toward a quiet corner of the gallery, where a

said, his tone pol

s on edge. "What is it

first time, Amanda noticed the faint tension in his expression,

his voice measured

rowed. "My he

a sleek leather folder, placing it on th

er pulse quickening. "

said plainly, his tone b

caught. "

"I need a wife, Amanda. And I b

, shaking her head. "

s voice firm. "This is

. "Why me? We barel

ot entangled in my world, which makes you an asset. My family has enemies-da

ot back, her voice rising.

nancial stability, protection, and the chance

er lap. "You can't seriously

onsider the alternative. Remaining in your current life-working

efused to let him see it.

ntered. "It's an arrangement

. "I don't know what kind of world you li

presence forcing her to tilt her hea

a moment, Amanda saw something in his gaze-a flicker

d, his voice softer now. "But understand this

ked away, leaving her standing in the gallery, he

he leather folder he'd left behind. Her hands trembled as she opened it, rev

irst page, a handwritt

ose the lesser of two

riosity. What kind of man made such a proposal

The shadows of Leonardo Castelli's world were closing in, and she