MASKED AFFECTION

st she hadn't been able to think clearly since that night at the police station." Isabella was still missing was and it was her sense of guilt that served as an anchor, dragging her fu

t, nodded briefly, and then walke

s impassive as he slid into the seat across from her, but a weird sense of trepidation washed

ve voice. "I know that right now, you are in a tight situatio

e or, and equally how I can be of any help to you. I need to find my sister-that's all that really c

ou care so much about finding your sister. "But what if I told you there is a way for you to get the res

ight hire someone to find Isabella, but then the grim reality of her finances had quickly discounted that as a hopeful o

sbelieving tone of voice pos

lp me out with something, and in return, I make sure you have

tumbled inside her. It sounded too good to be true. "And what am I sup

d. Just a temporary arrangement-nothing personal, strictly business. You will be paid well,

heard him right. You want me t

heard of him. He owns one of the biggest real estate firms in the country. He's gott

tied to each and every luxury project in this city. He was one of those untouchable figures who lived a life

Maya said, shaking her head. "I'm just an artist. I

ck with Alexander, smile for the cameras, and pose as if this is some sort of lovey-dovey couple," B

own-one full of doubt and uncertainty. Yet, it was desperation that the situation was calling for, and she desperately needed to find her missing sister, plus she had financial strife in gene

long you'll be working with Alexander, what's expected of you, and how much you'll be paid. In return,

orward, but something about it felt off. Yet, the desperatio

she asked, low, her voic

t mine, but think about it, Maya. As is, the options hav

g the weight of the decision pressing down on her. She had always prided herself on being independen

he said finally, her voi

your time, but don't keep me waiting too lo

ake a relationship with a man like Alexander Ryder just to find my sister? It was as if the walls of the café had grown

out over the skyline. He had just gotten off the phone with Ben and the wheels were already in motion

him couldn't shake the unease

sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across his office floor. He had built his empire on hard work and strategic moves, but this. This felt different. More personal. More dangerous. As the city lights began to twinkle