Page 59 of The Contract

My eyes dart to Margo, but she’s not looking.

No one is.

“We both know you’re not.”

A chill slithers down my spine.

Not because he’s guessing. Because he’s certain.

His tone isn’t curiosity. It’s a threat.

“Get your hands off me,” I say, my voice cold, steady as I rip myself away from him.

He lets go, but his smirk stays, tilting his head slightly, like he’s toying with a puzzle he already knows the answer to.

I don’t wait for another word.

I turn sharply, walking away toward the safety of Margo and the others, already slipping my mask back on.

“I’ll be in touch,” Adrian calls after me.

I don’t stop.

But my heart pounds so hard against my ribs I swear the entire country club can hear it.

This doesn’t happen. The Ledger does exhaustive background checks—on clients, on anyone in their orbit.

Especially for a high-stakes contract like this.

A Ledger Companion faking an engagement to a prior client?

Impossible.

So how the fuck did Lucian miss this?

I need to get a moment away so I can text him. Because this may very well bring this contract, this merger, and my dreams crashing down around us.

Ishould be reviewing the latest reports. Should be preparing for my next meeting. Should be doing anything other than sitting at my desk, phone in hand, staring at Elena’s name on the screen.

I have her number. I’m allowed to use it.

I’ve started a text at least twenty times today. Typed out the words, stared at them, then deleted them.

How’s tennis?

Did you make a good impression?

Do you need anything?

That last one makes my jaw tighten.Do you need me?

I release a slow, frustrated exhale, setting my phone facedown on the desk like that’ll stop me from picking it up again.

I feel fucking pathetic.

This isn’t a problem I have.Ever.

Women don’t make me second-guess myself. They don’t make me hesitate. If anything, I’m the one pushing them off when they start clinging too tightly, expecting something more than what I’m willing to give.

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