and drinks, Ryan turned to Emma and asked, "So

something about Ryan's warm smile put her at ease. "It's been

"Interesting?" he repeat

t. "I got a mysterious text message last night,

urning serious. "What did the text say

age. But something about Ryan's intense gaze made her trust him. "It sa

ng with anger. "I'll take care of it," he grow

unease. What was going on, and why was Ryan so angry?As Ryan continued to talk on the phone, Emma couldn't help

ized that Ryan was not just a charming businessm

ous expression. "I apologize for the drama," he said. "But I assur

ut also a sense of unease. What was going on,

l that she was caught up in something much bigger than herself. She was det

t a reassuring hand on her arm. "Don't worry, Emma,"

s eyes. But all she saw was a deep intensity, a sen

ould trust Ryan and see where things went, or

her life would never be the same again.As the plane touched down at JFK Airport, Emma felt a rush of exci

he feeling that she was in over her head. Ryan seemed to know exac

by the bright lights and bustling energy of the city. Ryan

hey had a meeting with a potential investor at 10 am, fol

as possible. But she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease

essed by the sleek, modern decor. Ryan introduced her to

t she couldn't help but notice the way Ryan seemed to command the r

ash over her. She had survived her first business meeting, an

feeling that she was just scratching the surface of something much bigger.As they walked back t

gratitude towards Ryan. "Thanks

s. "I know you did," he said. "And it paid of

ed in surprise. "

y," he said. "Now let's

but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. S

egant decor and the bustling atmosphere. Ryan led her to a tab

of ease and comfort with Ryan that she hadn't expected. He was c

e the feeling that there was still something

Ryan's phone rang. He answered it, listening intent

a asked, feeling

Marcus," he said. "He's threatening to sabota

n surprise. "What doe

o find out.Ryan's eyes seemed to bore into Emma's, as if searching for s

a beat. "Where are

th Marcus," he said. "I need you to tak

se of trepidation. What wa

xi, Emma couldn't help but wonder what Marc

yan led Emma inside, where they were greeted by a receptionist who

ting for you," she said, her voi

ever leaving Emma's fac

ma felt a sense of unease wash over h

e office, where Marcus was waiting for them. He w

"I see you brought

this is Marcus," he said. "We

as if sizing her up. "I'm not sure I'm c

said. She stays.Marcus's scowl deepened, but he nodded

he couldn't help but notice the tension between Ryan and Marcus. It wa

of unease. Marcus seemed to be pushing Ryan's buttons,

"I don't think you understand the situation, Ryan," he growled.

he situation perfectly," he said, his voice low and eve

s the two men locked eyes. Emma felt a sense of fear

ood up, his movements smooth and deliberate. "I think that's

curtly. "Fine," he said. "But don't t

er her. She was glad to be out of there, away from the toxic

her, his eyes burning with intensity. "Emma, I need to

"What is it?" she asked, her

bore into hers. "Can I