, its glass exterior reflecting the early morning sunlight. She smoothed her hands over her simple blouse and skirt, feeling woe

to a sprawling living room, its minimalist decor exuding cold sophistication. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered a breathtaki

ot S

cimen under a microscope. He was taller than she had imagined, his broad shoulders accentuated by a perfectly tailored suit. But it wasn't his

s voice cool and measured

fusing to let him intimidate her. "You d

ed at the corner o

ng a seat on the edge of a sleek leather sofa. Elliot remained

ne businesslike. "I need a wife. You need financi

Arrangement? You make it s

riage. No intimacy required. I control your public image. In

o cold, so detached-made her feel like a co

is gaze piercing. "That'

"You expect me to agree to this without knowing why?

expect you to consider your options.

r. She turned on her heel, heading

tracks. "Walk away, and you lose everything.

instinct screamed at her to leave, to refuse to be treated li

idden

his homework. He knew about the scandal, the debts, the ruined reputation. He kne

him. Most people would have crumbled under the weight of her circumstances. But

ning to face him. "You could have any

remained impassive.

ice tinged with disbelief. "Is tha

osity, perhaps-gave him away. Celeste sensed it, the unspoken te

Deci

nded by sketches and fabric swatches. The remnants of her dreams. Isl

of your life," Isla said, her vo

I lose everything anyway. My career, my reputation, my futur

ost, Celeste? You'll be tied to a man who sees you as

she knew was that she was out of options. And Elliot S

s trembling as she dialed his numbe

ady despite the turmoil inside her. "But

ot's voice came through, low and

her heart racing. She had just made a deal with th

She had agreed to Elliot's terms, but she knew this was only the beginning. Th