ed me, stretching the days into what seems like years. City after city, profile after profile-each one a neatly pres

e

perfect history-unmarried, a master's degree from a reputable university, no criminal rec

wn to, but there's something in her presence-something understated yet compelling.

of meticulous planning have led to this night. All I need is her agreemen

lling the air. He'll be my greatest accomplishment, my heir, the one to inherit everything I've built. But more than that,

at she can give. It's as if fate has aligned every detail perfect

g hangs over her shoulder, her steps brisk despite the exhaustion written across her face. She does

law students are driving me insane. It's like a warzone in there with finals coming up. Honestly, I'm amazed I made it out alive.

ing her a brief smile as the engine

nt things to think about than my miserable workday. I didn't even have time

ight of those words feels like a lie. Time isn

with the strap of her bag. Then, as if mustering c

ply, keeping my t

skepticism. "I mean, we barely know each oth

head-on. "I've asked you to carr

still flickers in her eyes. "You're r

plet

oment. "You're not exactly unattractive, you know. S

yes trained on it, my hands steady on the wheel. Her question l

nt laugh escaping her. "What do they teach in Montovia? Because

. "The complications don't come from biology. It's the relationship

I feel her gaze burning into the side of my face. "So, you're

"Where'd you even get the money for this

e wheel. The truth will come out

lly carry that much around, but somethi

planation. "Not that. The million. Where do

ut there's an edge o

d you invent some genius app? Or maybe

u were the type to know a little about everything.

an pop culture isn't exactly a topic of

a, either," I admit with a smirk

celebrity connection." Her tone shifts, growing quieter. "I wanted to t

the distant look in her

is house, his savings-just to cover his care. Now, the state takes care of most of it, but... it's

trong genetic

e to him," I

wers. "He's

ds settle. The weight of her situation

andmarks passing by. "This isn't..." Her voice trails off as realization

t. "We are. I rented out the Space Needle f

rented out the Space Needle? I'm not dressed for t

rom the back seat. Circling around, I open her door and offe

hand, her warmth sending a st

brow. "I didn't even notice you were

as lights up the night. Her words falter

er forced smile barely conceal

er for the cameras. "I invited a few members of t

a sharp whisper. "W

, leaning closer as the cameras continue to flash. "Allow me to introduce mys

looks completely thrown. "Del Valle?

olding her gaze.

, keeping my expression composed. Inside, her questions beg

t. I don't need my surrogate r