ything she despised-arrogant, entitled, a walking embodiment of the power dynamics she had spent her entire career exposing. And yet

er' mean?" she asked, her

we play along-for now. My father doesn't make idle threat

rand solution is to just... what? Let him p

have a better idea, Ms. Col

ng a finger at his chest. "Don't you dare act like this is just my problem. I

adn't decided to dig into my family's bu

on. For a moment, Ivy thought Sebastian might storm out, but

s," he said finally, his voice calmer. "Whether we like i

gic. "Fine. But let's get one thing straight-I'm not some pawn for

twitching in what might have been am

e will be strictly business. No romantic entanglements, n

want to slap him. "Trust me, Ivy. Falli

I'd rather gouge my eyes out t

the same page,"

ndence. I'll agree to the marriage for appearances, b

gh. But if you're keeping your independence, I'm keeping mine.

she said

asked, his tone bo

. "I don't trust you, Sebastian. Not even a little. So if

n his eyes. "Noted. But let me give you some advice, Ivy-if you'

said, her voice dripp

of wills neither of them was willing to lose. Finally

we have a de

ers, and for a fleeting second, the contact sent a shiver up her spine. She quickly pulled her hand away,

anor snapping back into place. "We'll need to announc

nnounce? You me

ent like this isn't exactly subtle, Ivy. The media will catch wind of it sooner or l

her personal life becoming tabloid fodder. "Fine. But I want a say in how t

am draft a statement, and you can r

ly-left a bitter taste in her mouth. She grabbed her bag and headed f

re thin

ising an eyebr

the intensity in his eyes remained. "What

in his tone. For a moment, she saw a flicker of vulne

your family," she said

int smile, but it didn't reach hi

as she stepped into the elevator. The doors slid shut, sealing her o

lp but wonder what she had just signed up