Chapter 2: Desperate Measures

Riley's POV

Three hours. I'd been sitting in this hospital lobby for three hours, watching the entrance to the west wing like a predator stalking prey.

"Mommy, I'm hungry," Lily whispered against my shoulder.

My stomach clenched. The vending machine sandwich I'd bought her with my last five dollars was hours ago. "I know, sweetheart. Just a little longer."

The charity event was winding down. I could see well-dressed people trickling out, their laughter echoing off the marble walls. Designer gowns, expensive suits, the kind of wealth that could solve every problem in my life without even noticing the expense.

Then I saw him.

Brett Graham was impossible to miss. Six feet four inches of controlled power, moving through the crowd like a shark through water. His dark hair was perfectly styled, his gray suit probably cost more than most people's cars, and his steel-gray eyes seemed to catalog every detail around him.

Three men in dark suits flanked him,security, obviously. His assistant, a sharp-faced man with military bearing, walked beside him, speaking quietly into his ear.

"That's him," I whispered to Lily, though she was half-asleep against my chest.

My heart hammered as I stood up, smoothing down my wrinkled clothes. This was insane. I was about to approach one of the most powerful men in the world, looking like I'd been living in my car for eight months.

Because I had been.

The group moved toward the main exit. This was my chance. Maybe my only chance.

"Mr. Graham!" I called out, my voice echoing in the lobby.

All four men turned. Brett's eyes found mine across the space, and I felt like a butterfly pinned to a board under that gray stare.

One of the security guards stepped forward. "Ma'am, please step back."

"I just need a moment"

"Ma'am, I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

The security guard's hand moved toward his jacket. I clutched Lily tighter, my desperation overriding my fear.

"My daughter is dying!" The words exploded out of me. "She needs surgery, and I don't have the money. I heard—I heard you might need help with something, and I—m"

"Ma'am, step back now."

The guard reached for my arm, but Brett's voice cut through the tension.

"Stop."

Everyone froze as Brett's eyes were locked on mine, and I could see him taking in every detail. My tangled hair, my cheap clothes, the way I held Lily protectively against my chest.

"You heard I need help with something?" His voice was smooth, cultured, but there was something dangerous underneath.

"Yes, sir. I—I overheard some nurses talking about..." I swallowed hard. "About a business arrangement. A fake girlfriend situation."

One of his security guards snorted. "Sir, we should go."

But Brett held up a hand, silencing him. He studied me for a long moment, and I felt like he could see straight through to my soul.

"You're proposing to be my fake girlfriend?" There was amusement in his voice, but not the kind that suggested he found me charming.

"I'm proposing to be whatever you need me to be," I said quietly. "My daughter needs surgery that costs half a million dollars. I'll do anything to save her."

"Anything?" The word hung between us like a challenge.

I lifted my chin. "Anything."

Brett's assistant leaned in close, whispering urgently. Brett listened without taking his eyes off me, then nodded once.

"Marcus, bring her to my office," he said, his voice carrying the kind of authority that moved mountains.

The assistant stepped forward with a professional smile that didn't reach his eyes. "Ma'am, if you'll follow me."

As we walked toward the elevators, I caught Brett's reflection in the polished doors. He was still watching me, his expression unreadable.

I had no idea what I'd just gotten myself into.

But as Lily stirred in my arms and I felt her fever burning through her pajamas, I knew I'd made the only choice I could.

The elevator doors opened, and Marcus gestured for me to step inside.

"The penthouse level," he said to the operator.