The ink on the contract was still wet, but the air in the room already felt different. It was heavier. Alistair didn't move away after he signed. He just stood there, looking at me like I was a puzzle he had finally solved."You should know what you’re getting into, Clara," he said. He walked over to a small safe behind a painting and clicked it open. "This isn't just about a press release. Starting tomorrow, your life isn't yours. You’re going to be the most talked-about woman in the country. Marcus is going to try to tear you down, and the public is going to look for any crack in our story.""I told you, I can handle it," I said.Alistair turned around, holding a small velvet box. He walked back to me and opened it. Inside was a ring that made the breath catch in my throat. It wasn't a diamond. It was a massive, square-cut emerald surrounded by black gold. It looked ancient, heavy, and dangerous."My mother’s," he said. His voice dropped an octave, losing some of that biting coldnes
Last Updated : 2026-02-05 Read more