filled the doo

pears to be calm, but the calmness

o stay still even as her pulse thundered. "No one,

some clues. For a moment, neither of them sp

" he said finally,

ned. "It's just my

ss smirk. "Your brother doesn't tex

s message. If Damien saw it, if he even suspected she was talking to ano

e said softly, but

shot forward, snatching

mie

essages, his sharp gaze c

eted Mr. Gray's warning moments before he walked in. The s

cious." He stepped closer, his presence suffocating and unbearable. "Remember this, Ava

red, barely able

me sleep. You'll

hy

o prove your worth again at another business dinner. An

ay felt li

ien had picked for her.The dress is elegant but fitted so tightly s

around them. The dinner was small, only four people were presentation the occasion.Damien, Ava, and

as on trial. Every word she said wa

e. "Tell me, how does it feel to be marri

"I... I don't think about

lightly. "How sweet. Though I imagine a man

ien, but he was busy discussing numbers

the table, brushing against Ava's thigh. It wasn't affectionate. It was

't you tell Mr. Wallace why investing in our new tech

went bl

dened, giving a s

is ready for something bold. Thorne Enterprises has always

desperate? I've heard whispers and gossips tha

not sure

va's back, his tone deceptively smooth. "Ava, dear, why don't

e through trembling lips. "

ould feel her humiliation gr

Ava finally spoke. "Why do you do that? W

s what you're here for. You wanted this arrangement. You wanted

rned. "I neve

"Then walk away. But remember - when you do,

ays knew where to

ut the window, her mind spinning. She couldn't keep livi

ssage. If you want answers abou

risk mee

ssed for bed, Damien app

ing decent," he sai

ha

ou think I didn't notice how Wallace was staring at yo

idn'

ly cupped her jaw, tilting her face up.

f like it was a claim, a reminder of his control.When he finally pulled away, he s

burning like fire on her lips.Her hands trembled as she whi

a receives a text fr

eet me or you'll regret it."And