a

you i

m. I slam both hands onto the mahogany table, glaring directly at Chairman Alistair Vance-wh

e to do wha

tailored suit completely unwrinkled despite the absolu

tair says, his voice smooth and cold. "Ethan Cross is a global asset. Right now, our stock prices are plumm

ally. But forcing me to sign a public relations contract to play his supportive g

polished wood. "We will assign Cross to Dr. Sterling. Your clinical hands remain clean. To the public, you met during

g back from the table. "My

prey. He opens a folder and slides it towards me. My blood turns cold. "No, not that folder.Not L

prospect until his spine injury last year."My breath catches in my throat.

es, his voice dripping with false sympathy. "The experimental surgery costs two hundr

ll them into fists inside my

e whispers in my mind, a reminder of a childhood spen

begged for loans, and chased every impossible

alas. Move into his penthouse so the paparazzi catch you together. Keep him out of

oor. But then I think of Leo, sitting i

gers lock around th

ice trembling but sharp. "And the moment Ethan Cross acts o

Alista

line. My signature stares bac

down the cold, concrete player t

woman who prides herself on logic, control, and independence. Now, I am a paid p

the muffled sound of things being thrown

my clinical mask into place,