PROVING GROUND 3

LIORAThe bar was loud and packed with people. My team had insisted on celebrating after the presentation. They dragged me to some trendy place downtown where the music was too loud and the drinks were too expensive."To Liora," Derek shouted over the noise. He raised his glass. "Who proved all of us wrong."Everyone clinked glasses. I tried not to cry. A week ago these people thought I was just the boss's girlfriend. Now they were treating me like I actually belonged."I was wrong about you," Derek said. He was on his third beer and getting sentimental. "You earned your spot. Nobody can say you didn't.""Thank you," I said. It meant more coming from him than anyone else.Someone tapped my shoulder. I turned around and Everett was there."You came," I said."Of course I came." He smiled. It was a real smile and not the polite CEO smile he gave to board members. He pulled me into a warm half hug. "You think I'd miss celebrating your win?"He ordered a drink and actually stayed. Usually

Last Updated : 2026-02-14

PROVING GROUND 4

LIORAI went to my room and closed the door. Then I let myself cry. Quiet tears that I wiped away as fast as they fell.I was so stupid. Of course he didn't feel the same way. This was business to him. A transaction. I was just the girl who proposed in a lobby and gave him a way out of his parents' matchmaking.I hugged my pillow and tried to sleep. But all I could think about was the way he'd looked at me tonight. The way he'd laughed. The way he'd shared real parts of himself.Maybe I'd imagined it. Maybe I'd seen what I wanted to see instead of what was really there.Down the hall, Everett lay in his bed staring at the ceiling. He'd almost said it back. The words were right there. I'm falling for you too.But Claire's face flashed in his mind. The check his parents wrote. The way she'd left without fighting for him.Everyone had a price. Everyone left eventually.But Liora wasn't Claire. She'd proven that today. She'd stood up to the board, to Ramsey, to everyone who said she didn'

Last Updated : 2026-02-14

THE GALA

LIORAThe week before the gala passed in a blur. Everett was busy with damage control from whatever Ramsey had done. I was busy launching the campaign. We barely saw each other except at night when we were both too tired to talk.But the notes kept coming.I found one Tuesday morning. "You were right about the emotional marketing angle. The early numbers are incredible. -E"I wrote back. "Told you so."His response came that night. "Don't get cocky. It's only been three days."Thursday he left me a coffee on the kitchen counter with a note. "Remembered you like extra cream. -E"I smiled for an hour after that.Friday morning Margaret woke me up early. "Hair and makeup team is here. The gala starts at seven."I spent four hours getting ready. They did my hair in loose waves. My makeup made me look like someone else. Someone who belonged at charity galas with billionaires.The emerald dress fit perfectly. I put on the diamond earrings Everett had insisted on buying. I looked in the mirr

Last Updated : 2026-02-14

EXPOSED

LIORASunday morning I woke up to my phone ringing. Unknown number. I almost didn't answer."Hello?""Liora Jovan?" A woman's voice. Professional. "This is Rebecca Chen from People magazine. I'm writing a piece about you and Everett Montague. Do you have time for a few questions?""No. Sorry." I hung up.It rang again immediately. Different number."Miss Jovan, this is David Park from Entertainment Weekly—"I hung up and turned off my phone.Margaret knocked on my door. "The press wants interviews. About the gala. About your relationship. Mr. Montague's publicist is handling it but they thought you should know.""Tell them no comment.""They're offering money. Substantial amounts for exclusive interviews."I thought about my student loans. About how much money substantial meant. "Still no."Margaret nodded. "I'll let them know."I got dressed and went to the kitchen. Everett was already there reading something on his tablet. He looked tired."You okay?" I asked."Ramsey leaked somethi

Last Updated : 2026-02-14

All Chapters of THE VALENTINE PROPOSAL : Chapter 11 - Chapter 14

PROVING GROUND 3

PROVING GROUND 4

THE GALA

EXPOSED