She had spent years crafting a reputation built on precision, power, and a ruthless ability to shut out anything—or anyone—who threatened her empire.
But right now?
She was sitting across from Lucas Reyes, planning a fake engagement date for the world to see.
And somehow, she was the one losing control.
Lucas leaned back in his chair, watching her with lazy amusement, his green eyes flickering with something she didn’t want to name.
"We should do dinner," he said, tapping his fingers against the polished mahogany desk. "Somewhere high-profile. Let the media eat it up."
Isla resisted the urge to sigh. "A charity gala would be better. Less staged, more natural."
Lucas smirked. "You mean less intimate?"
Her pulse jumped.
"No," she said smoothly. "I mean more believable."
Lucas studi
