n's

to find the right words, the ones that would make Ivy reconsider. The message he had sent earlier, the on

n wash over him. She was the only one who could help him, the onl

e year, no strings, in exchange for fifty million dollars. The kind of money that could fund her dre

family's company years ago. He had taken everything from her-her father's business, her future, her security-and le

ter how hard he tried to focus on his work, his mind always wandered back to Ivy. Her face, her sharp tongue, the way she

and then they would walk away from each other. Ethan would keep his empire, and Ivy would have the funding s

rated. Why was he even doing this? Why d

y. His grandfather's ultimatum loomed over him like a storm cloud. Marry or lose every

r him. He couldn't shake the way she had looked at him during their brief moments together. Even when she hated him, even when

He was running out of time. He couldn't afford to l

ng in her voice when she said "fine," as if she was fighting with herself, torn between her pride and her need for

her that this wasn't just about money. That it was about both of them getting something they desperately needed. He didn't expect fo

hesitated. Should he play it cool? Should he beg for her to reconsider? His thumb hovered

our forgiveness, but please, think about it. You're the only one who can help me. I

d over. Was it enough? Was it convincing?

it s

ere was no response. Not yet. Ethan leaned back in his ch

He had extended his han

g their roles. She could have the funding for her project, and he could keep his empire. The world would think they were

of-felt both exciting and terrifying. There was so much history between them, so many emotions

his eyes still glued