Alex stiffened. "What?"
Izzy kept her eyes on the polished table. "How many women have sat in this chair before me? Pretending. Playing a part."
"You're the first."
She finally looked at him. "Don't lie to me. Not about this."
His jaw tightened. "I'm not lying. You think I've done this before? Hired someone to fake an engagement?"
"Maybe not hired. But used." The words came out sharper than she intended, "Vivienne said Lila...."
"Vivienne doesn't know what she's talking about." Alex stood abruptly. "We're done here."
"Alex....."
"I said we're done."
He walked out without looking back.
Izzy sat alone in the boardroom, pulse hammering. She'd pushed too hard. But Vivienne's warning still echoed in her head.
"Leave before he breaks you too."
The car ride back to the estate was sile
