er about her true motives for suggesting a contract marriage. He knew there was more to her proposal

icker of emotions that danced across her face. He studied the way her brows furrowed ever so slightly, the fleeting glimmer of d

d a fire within him, awakening a sense of excitement and longing that he thought he had long outgrown. Yet, he remained cautious, wary of the depths to which Emily's secrets ran. He kn

weight of Wyatt's penetrating stare on her. She knew that his keen interest went beyond the surface, that he saw through the façade

s well aware that Wyatt, with his sharp intellect, wasn't easily fooled by her actions. He was not just some unsuspecti

nother gla

perhaps comparable to the handsome stranger that captured Sarah's attention. But Emily quickly banished such thoughts, reminding herself of the truth she held dear. She was determine

crafting an agreement that aligned with their individual agendas. They treaded carefully, each step

ernity of deliberation, they

tt stated briefly. He picked up his phone and spoke curtly with someone on

sed and astute professional who looked to be in his late forties by his salt-and-pepper hair, approached the tab

shake the lawyer, before they both settled down into their re

the contract covers all the terms you discussed with Mr. McKinle

the contract, not only in terms of their arrangement but also as a means to unravel the mysteries that surroun

pages, her sharp mind analyzing every word and clause. Despite the gravity of the situation, a hint of a smile tugged a

maintaining a professional demeanor. Emily looked up from the contract, meeting Wyatt's gaze. An unspoken understanding passed between them, a recognition of

ooks in order," she said with a composed tone, masking the myri

ly's determined expression. He recognized her resilience, and he f

well," he said, his voice carrying the weight of authority. "I will n

steady as she held it poised above the document. She

ed with curiosity. "Are you already considerin

d signed her name on the contract, sealing their agreement. Her sign

erritory, stepping into a realm where he had little control. Yet, he found himself drawn to the mystery that wa

lawyer stood up, and Emily and Wyatt quickly followed s

able spark ignited between them. A magnetic chemistry that danced in the air. Wyatt's large, fleshy hand enveloped hers in a dizzyi

cheeks. She quickly regained her lost composure, acutely aware of the intensity of the connection

her voice surprisingly steady. "I'm s

inued to regard Emily. "I'm sure it's high time we began our partnership o

on lingered in the air, and she felt a newfound surge of confidence within her. She welcomed the opportunity

ore informal rapport, considering the nature of our

ressing her by her first name created an added layer of intimacy, a bridge between th

sfaction. "I look forward to this new level of familiarity between u

ssibilities that awaited them. The path before them stretched uncertain, fraught with challenges and hidden agendas. But in