Elissa hadn’t expected this was the real reason Lorraine hade.

    Her face remained unreadable. “Whatever you think you saw, there’s no need toe to me about it.”

    If there was anyone Lorraine should be talking to, it was Rowan.

    Deep down, Lorraine knew this too. A man like Rowan wasn’t someone you could cling ito /iso easily.

    She’d witnessed firsthand how coldly Rowan had turned away woman after woman–elegant heiresses with perfect manners, sultry beauties who could charm anyone. Even she herself had been rejected by Rowan, and she’d never forgotten it.

    That’s why Lorraine knew: if Rowan ever let a woman get close, it could only be because he wanted her there. No one could force him into anything.

    Lorraine exhaled quietly, watching Elissa as she finally spoke. “I only came to iyou /ibecause I didn’t have any other options.”

    Of course she wished Rowan would end things with Elissa himself. But that clearly wasn’t happening.

    Elissa leaned back in her seat, cutting straight to the point. “So what is it you want me to do?”

    “Stay away from him. End it, if you can.” Lorraine didn’t even need to think about her answer.

    She’d thought about this all the way here–this was the whole reason she’de today. Only if Elissa walked away from Rowan did Lorraine stand a chance of marrying him. Their engagement hadsted for years, and after working as his assistant for just as long, Lorraine’s feelings for him had only grown deeper. She couldn’t just let go.

    Elissa gave a faint, almost amused smile. Her eyes were steady. “And just what authority do you think you have to ask me that?”

    Surprise flickered across Lorraine’s face.

    She’d always thought Elissa would simply agree without protest. In her mind, Elissa was just a quiet, soft–spoken girl, never ione /ito cause trouble.

    She hadn’t expected this sharpness.

    Lorraine pressed her palms together, steadying herself. “Rowan and I are engaged. Whatever you and he have–it can’t end well.”

    “Does he admit to that engagement?” Elissa’s voice was calm, unwavering.

    Lorraine fell silent.

    Seeing her hesitate, Elissa decided to be honest. “I can’t do what you’re asking. But it’s not about being difficult.”

    “Then why not?” Lorraine blurted out. She stared at Elissa, searching her face. “Is it because… you’ve fallen for Rowan?”

    She couldn’t really be med for thinking that–after all, plenty of women had fallen for Rowan. As his assistant, Lorraine had to shield him from a parade of admirers every week.

    18:03

    “No way,” Elissa replied instantly, almost reflexively.

    The idea of liking Rowan felt almost like a betrayal, something she simply couldn’t ept.

    She took a breath, steadying herself. “He and I have a contract. If I break it, I owe him a penalty.”

    “How much?”

    Relief washed over Lorraine; she jumped at the opportunity. “Whatever it is, I’ll pay it for you.”

    If money was all it took, she’d find a way. Even if the Lynn family was the one reaching up in this arrangement, they were still wealthy enough. If she couldn’t pay it, her parents would–especially if it meant she could marry Rowan without any

    obstacles.

    Elissa didn’t hesitate. “Three billion.”

    Lorraine stared at her, certain she must have misheard. “Did you say three billion?”

    “Three billion, in cash.”

    That number had stunned Elissa too, the first time she’d seen it in the contract. But she’d had no choice–she needed the money to save Tanya Foster.

    And at the time, she’d assumed Rowan’s interest in her would fade as quickly as it had with everyone

    else.