practiced ease. Everything looked as it always did-spotless, refined, a mirror of Alexander's disciplined mind

med against the city lights. He didn't turn to greet h

ng away from the skyline. "I

d, stepping further into the room. "But so

on the city below, his jaw tight. Sophia had known Alexander long enough to r

asked gently, her voi

s, a raw vulnerability that he rarely let anyone see. "Emily," he

sed. "What

"About everything. She wasn't just here for the deal

mposed expression faltering for

ow I don't know what to believe. She claims she cares about me, bu

Alexander handle betrayals before, but this was different.

," Sophia offered carefully. "Mayb

or in it. "You think I should trust her

what you feel for her before you decide anything. If you let your ang

, a sharp knock echoed through

called, his voice sha

the faint sound of retreatin

narrowed. "T

ut twisted. He had always prided himself on staying ahead of everyone-on seeing every move before it happe

Sophia said quietly, e

been feeling it too," he admitted, his voice lo

m. "You're not alone in this, Alex. Whatever

her words. But the moment passed quickly. Trust, he remi

-

's Ap

her, but she barely noticed. Her mind was consumed by Alexander-the look in his eyes when s

en a lie. Her father had made sure of that. But what she hadn't anticipated was how much she w

out of her thoughts. The scre

she answer

p voice said o

he gripped the phone

e. Your

since she had decided to tell Alexander the truth. "What do

one calm but cutting. "I warned you not to get

rd. "I didn't ask

any idea what you've done? The Hartleys don't forgive easily, Emi

tened. "You don't

Hartley is a dangerous man when cornered. And right

-

y Indu

shadows across the room. His phone sat on the desk in front of

he had worked hard to bury. For years, he had told himself that the secrets of the past didn't matter

ear that those gho

screen lighting up w

before answering.

d unfamiliar. "Mr. Hartley, it's time

lse quickened.

your father has been hiding. It's time for you to tak

could respond, th

settling over him like a heavy cloak. His father's secr

der knew there was no way out except