The gold digger

ing in her chest like a vise. This wasn't just about Adrian anymore. Someone else was watching her, someone who knew

is world of power plays and hidden agendas. Her pulse raced as she took a deep swallow of

ion, and a growing sense of dread. She couldn't afford to fall apart now. Not when she was s

ouder as the storm picked up. It was as if the city its

en lighting up with another mess

trus

tightened around the phone, her knuckles turning white. This was no

re it anymore. Sh

er pocket. She barely registered the rain as she stepped outside, the cold droplets soaking through her clothes al

its tires splashing water onto the sidewalk. She

iver asked, glancing at h

t second, then made her d

e knew what kind of place it was-but he didn't co

e city, the streets blurring past in streaks of light and shadow. Her mind raced with a thousand que

was shifting beneath her feet. Everything she had built-every ca

r a bill without looking, barely hearing his muttered thanks as she stepped out. The rain soaked her hair, her cloth

every surface gleaming under soft golden lights. The receptionist looked up,

, ma'am?" she a

aid, her voice sharper than she intende

ly taken aback. "I'm afr

ed smoothly. "Tell him Lila

one, her eyes flicking nervously back to Lila as she spoke in a low

"The elevator will take y

lled the silence as she ascended, the floor numbers ticking by rapidly. Her reflection stared back at her from the polished metal walls, h

se of Adrian's office. The city skyline stretched out beyond the floor-to-cei

cked on her. His expression was unreadable, but there was something dangerous in

setting the phone down

r, her heels sinking into the

flicking over her, assessing, cal

e pulled out her phone, holding it up. "From someone who knew

s-annoyance? Concern? It was gone as quickly as it appeared. He stepped closer,

boiling over. "I thought I was in control, but clearly I'm not. Som

tly brushing a strand of wet hair from her cheek. The gesture was almost te

red," he sa

stop them. "You told me I was playing with fire, but you never mention

stepped back, his expression darkening. "Ethan Calloway," he said slowl

her mistake too late-she had given away

. "Did you think I wouldn't find out?

g for him, but he stepped out of he

, his voice dangerously low. "How long

me. The truth was tangled up with her lies, and

said finally. "I had a plan, yes. But

ou're good, Lila. I'll give you that.

d again with a sharp ding, and Lila turned to see

pping with satisfaction. "Looks l