Love's Deception, A Fortune's Rebirth

weeks. No blueprints, no clients, no deadlines. Just me, my cat, and the quiet comfort of the apartmen

g that hit me was the smell. It wasn't the familiar scent of lavender and old

I saw

ep green velvet sofa. She was wearing a silk robe that was definitely no

t with surprise,

he asked, her voice d

hand, completely baffled. I checked the apartment

partment," I said, tryin

"Your apartment? Honey, you must b

n' t make any sense. He ha

inside and closing the door. "I' m Ava Reed

d an expensive-looking manicure, stood up. She walke

he scanned my practical travel clothes-jeans and a simple sweater-

ioned a new girlfriend, especially one

ng a polite tone. "But there' s been a mistake. T

rl who went off to study... what was it? Drawing buildings? Liam is the one who runs the famil

it was the way she said it. The dismissiveness of my career, the antiquated n

starting to fray. "The deed is in my name.

e hand, the gesture of a

ve already made some improvements." She gestured around the living room, and for the first time, I noticed the changes

you might be stubborn. He said you have this entitled attitude because you' re the 'educated' one. But a woman

ted insults, the claim not just to my property but to my future. I

rrible misunderstanding. I needed to talk to Liam.

y brother," I s

ed, a cold, trium

"Call him. He' ll tell yo

ld all the cards. I realized with a jolt that I had never met this woman before, never even heard her name. My brother, who I thought I knew, had brought thi