"Julian?" Tyla murmured to herself, startled by the name flashing on her screen. Why is he calling me?
"Hello?" she answered brightly, masking her surprise.
"I want you to know that the driver will take you to the lodge I've booked," Julian said, his voice cold and clipped. "You won't be coming to the house tonight."
Before Tyla could respond, the line went dead.
She stared at her phone, lips curling in disdain. "What an arrogant, self-important man."
A lodge? she thought. Why send me there? He thinks he can intimidate me? That scum won't scare me off.
Undeterred, she resumed creating her anonymous account. Just as she was about to hit sign-up, her phone rang again.
Jace.
Her expression darkened instantly. "Now he decides to call?" she muttered angrily. What scheme is he cooking up this time? Or what favor does he want from me?
She swiped to answer and waited in silence.
"Hello, Tyla," Jace said smoothly.
She didn't reply.
"Tyla? Can you hear me? Where are you?"
"Say whatever you have to say," she finally snapped.
"Tyla, sweetheart," he began, his tone placating. "I really don't understand why you had to act like that today. Edna's been your best friend-best friends aren't supposed to fight, especially not now. I had to step in because I can't let anything tarnish the reputation of Parker's restaurant. There's just one more thing I need you to do for me."
"What's that?" Tyla asked, forcing herself to stay calm.
"I'm inviting the Golden Crest executives back tomorrow, and I want you to apologize publicly in front of everyone."
"What?" Tyla interrupted sharply.
"Apologize for what, exactly? Didn't you tell me to cover for her? I did exactly what you asked-so why should I apologize now?"
Jace sighed. "Dear Tyla, you're my fiancée. This is our contract; we can't let it fall apart. I know you're frustrated, but please, do this. For my sake-for the love we've shared, the future we're building together, and for Edna too. Apologize to the executives tomorrow. Tell them you deliberately caused the scene today to gain attention... and that you pushed Edna down the stairs last night."
Tyla stared at the screen in disgust, a wicked smirk creeping across her face.
"Okay," she said coolly. "I'll do it."
"That's my girl!" Jace replied, relief flooding his voice. "I promise, once this is over, we'll sign the marriage papers, and I'll handle everything so you never have to deal with stress like this again. Okay?"
She smiled-a cold, knowing smile that screamed, Who do you think you're fooling?
"Can't wait," she replied sarcastically, then hung up.
The car pulled to a stop. Tyla stepped out and gazed up at the hotel-one of the largest and most luxurious in the city. Julian's assistant was waiting, gesturing for her to follow.
She walked silently down the opulent hallway until he stopped outside a door. "This is your suite, ma'am," he said politely, then turned and left.
Tyla scanned the corridor and the entrance to her room. Everything screamed wealth and extravagance. Inside, the suite was impeccably arranged-elegant, spotless, breathtaking.
She felt a flicker of disappointment. He's not even here?
"Well," she said aloud to the empty room, "I suppose I'll rest and prepare for tomorrow."
She sank onto the bed, savoring its luxurious softness, then Jace's words replayed in her mind.
"What does he take me for?" she muttered. A sly smile returned. "This fits perfectly. My public apology... and then photos of Jace and Edna flooding the internet. What a coincidence."
She finished setting up her anonymous account, satisfaction warming her.
Afterward, she stripped off her clothes and ran a warm bath. Wrapping herself in one of the plush towels, she slipped into the tub, closing her eyes as the water melted away the day's tension.
When she finally stepped out of the bathroom, towel knotted tightly around her slender frame, droplets still clinging to her hair, she froze.
Julian was there.
He lounged on the couch opposite the bed, wearing silk nightwear unbuttoned at the chest, revealing the strong lines of his broad torso. He was strikingly handsome-impossibly so.
Tyla couldn't tear her eyes away.
Julian looked up, his gaze tracing the water trailing down her damp hair, the towel hugging her body, exposing her smooth thighs and legs.
She truly was a vision.
Heat rose in her cheeks under his intense stare.
"Could you please give me a moment?" she said, trying to ignore the way his eyes lingered. "I need to change."
He rose slowly from the couch. For a split second, she thought he was leaving.
Then, in one fluid motion, he closed the distance between them and pulled her against him.
Their eyes locked.
Their breaths mingled, warm and close.
