ned by how fast everything had shifted. Her life had once been a puzzle in pieces-

ked his own name to protect hers. And it wasn't just for appearances. She ha

t a life out of control and cold walls, truly fall in love? Or was she

aring a plain white shirt and gray joggers-comfortably dressed

re up

ing herself a glass of juice. "Too ma

ly. "Want to t

yo

s cup dow

massive penthouse that always felt more real than the rest of the house.

softly. "If this is still just busine

irst, it was just business. A deal to fix a mess, save a

is gaze "T

his fingers through hers. "I've never

overnight. But I can't keep walking this

and. "Then let's

ted them. Lucien rose with a frown

camed into the room

speaking with a sharply dresse

oing on?"

"This is Mr. Hargrove

a polite but stif

rd want now?" Luci

ed, opening the folder. "That your marriage is still being

darkened. "We alre

sonal proof. A public int

sank. "A liv

confirmed. "Nati

met hers. "The

-colored couch, her palms damp with sweat. Across from them sat the

any say your marriage happened too suddenly. Some believe

d Elena's on her l

prises not long before your marriage. Can you explain h

thout due process. Lucien later discovered the truth and

Melissa asked, leanin

, and the room seemed

d her in front of millions of viewers. The worght still dought them. Bu

orning, the int

ve, but one thing was clear-the kiss had changed public perception. Elena's inbox

everyone

one of the most influential board members-and a man w

doesn't make you a leader. If she bec

ce. Harper had always played the long game, always

Elena to

asked, sensing the t

omeone on the board is trying to dismantle

ack," she said w

yebrow. "You'r

van? No. Of los

rd. "You're not goin

oing my own digging. Those emails that got me fired? I traced the meta

ked. "You'r

him, we not only clear my

, admiration in his

ered. "Then let'

ited the board to a surp

eek navy dress, her hair swept into a

les, but his eyes narrowe

lt?" Harper asked, sit

tion. About recent event

n front of her. The screen lit up, displayin

by someone in this room. These falsified ema

led throug

d up. "This

s absurd is thinking you could threaten me

ed sile

continued. "Your shares will be frozen pending investigati

ntered. Harper's

gret this,

s you will," L

Elena stood in the living room, ove

two glasses of win

tice,"

rship," sh

inked g

e any of this withou

have. But I'm

nt so much of my life building walls. But you're the

nst his chest. "Then let's

chin up. "No m

re con

ore l

dience, no cameras, no expectations-only the

w at them next, they wo

eth

al thi