A long, stunned silence filled the room as Alex stared at her, utterly speechless. "Me?"
"Yes, you!" Victoria sprang up from the couch, moving toward him. "You’re perfect for the role! You’re mysterious, confident, and no one knows anything about you. You’re already living under the radar—what’s one more disguise? You could easily pass as someone connected to the Lancastriels."
Alex blinked. His mouth hung open slightly as he tried to respond, but no words came at first. Finally, he found his voice. “Victoria,” he said, standing up, “there is absolutely no way I’m going to pretend to be Heinrich Lancastriel’s adopted son.”
Victoria pouted and quickly moved to block his path as he headed for the door. “Alex, wait—hear me out!”
"I’ve already heard enough," he shot back, shaking his head.
