FALLING FOR THE CEO's LIES

d tremulously. The universe seemed to be preparing for the blow I

nced at the sign and then back at me. Her pen tapping against her clipboard wa

harsh edges on my fingertips. The only thing that remain

ame hazy: *Foreclosure. Overdue.

k because my knees felt weak. The desk of my father. He had poured his heart into each pla

"I'm sorry Aria." "However, the debt is... e

or a shred of hope in her

rty

the gut. Thirty days to figure o

"There must be an alternative. Som

ce expenses consumed what little profit we had left over, and the

tence, her words

e coming through the glass. The vineyard extended as far as the eye could see outside, t

able to

ated confidently, looking back at

id. However, you don't have to

pted her. The flicker of hurt in her eyes made me soften. "I apologize. I

ng. "If there's anything I

" I forced a tiny smil

oreclosure notice while raking my hands through my hair.

invoice, and spending. The figures were honest. There was

ed by the kno

pers aside and

king door. Even though I couldn't read his face,

ff his hat. "I'm here to discuss

the letter," pointing to the document

lenty of time, but I know this is challenging. We will be forced to tak

of the desk. "I'm working on it,

grant," in a stern yet loving voice. "M

and others, this vineyard was merely a line on a balance

ng him in the eye with all the resolve I

hile, he nodded. "I'm hopi

h until he departed. I took up the fore

ow was I going to

he notion tormented me. My boots crunched on the frost-covere

hands demonstrated the significance of each step as he laughed while inst

g in the chilly air. "I'm not sure if I c

a burst of wind blew through the vi

roat as I closed my eyes. Now I

one buzzed in my pocket. I saw a stran

eplied in a

he other end was smooth and de

t name was well-known throughout the wine industr

ith a stronger tone t

situation," he offered. "I

it was because I was angry or afraid. "I'm not in

of selling? Miss Bennett, I believe you'll want to hear this offer. Per

eady ensnared me because of

nt with the details tomorrow." "C

ed before I

d as I stood there with the

made such an offer? Why did I feel as though