Morning arrived too quickly.
Amara woke up sunrise spilling through the tall windows of the guest suite, her mind still tangled with the events of the previous night.
Daniel Reeves.
Project Helix.
And the way Ethan had looked at her in that office.
She pushed the thought away and sat up, rubbing her temples. Living in Ethan Blackwood's mansion had already become more complicated than she expected.
Her phone buzzed on the nightstand.
Unknown Number.
Her stomach tightened as she opened the message.
You're getting closer.
Be careful who you trust.
Her fingers went cold.
A second message appeared.
Especially the man you married.
Amara locked the phone instantly.
Her heart pounded against her ribs as she stared at the blank screen.
Was the sender trying to warn her?
Or manipulate her.
She didn't know.
But she knew one thing.
This wasn't going to stop.
Downstairs the mansion was already alive with quiet activity.
Staff moved through the hallways preparing breakfast, while sunlight reflected off the polished marble floors.
Amara entered the dining room just as Ethan finished a call.
"…No. Move the meeting to tomorrow," he said calmly before sending it.
He looked up when he saw her.
"You look like you didn't sleep."
"You're one to talk."
His eyes flicked briefly to the coffee in his hand.
"Fair point."
She slid into the chair across from him.
For a moment, neither of them spoke.
Then she placed her phone on the table and pushed it toward him.
"Another message."
His expression hardened as he read it.
"Same number?"
"Yes."
Ethan leaned back slightly, his eyes thoughtful.
"They are trying to create distrust."
"You mean between us."
"Yes."
Amara folded her arms.
"Well…it's working."
His gaze lifted to hers.
"That's exactly what they want."
She sighed.
"Do you ever get tired of speaking in strategy?"
He almost smiled.
"Constantly."
The moment of lightness faded quickly.
"We're attending a dinner tonight," he said.
Her eyebrows lifted.
"Another press event?"
"Private."
"For who?"
"Investors. Board members."
She stared at him.
"You want me there?"
"Yes."
"As what?" She asked.
His voice was calm.
"My fiancée."
The word settled in the room like a quiet echo.
Even though she knew it was fake, hearing it still did something strange to her chest.
"And if someone asks questions about my termination?" She asked.
"They will."
"And?"
"I'll handle it."
She shook her head slightly.
"You can't control everything."
Ethan studied her carefully.
"No," he said. "But I can control how we respond."
Amara leaned forward.
"And how exactly do we respond?"
His eyes darkened slightly.
"Together."
By evening, the city skyline glittered beneath a deep blue sky.
Amara stood in front of the mirror in her room, adjusting the black evening dress that had been delivered earlier.
It was elegant. Simple.
But undeniably striking.
She wasn't used to this world of luxury events and billionaire gatherings.
And yet somehow, tonight she had to look like she belonged.
A knock sounded on the door.
"Come in."
Ethan stepped inside.
He stopped when he saw her.
For a moment, he didn't say anything.
His gaze moved slowly over her before returning to her eyes.
"You clean up well," she said, breaking the silence.
His lips curved faintly.
"You look…incredible."
Something warm flickered in her chest.
"Ready?" He asked.
"Almost."
"What's that?"
"My zip," she said softly, "I need help with my zip."
He stepped closer and went behind her back.
There was this quiet, intimate moment and he zipped her dress slowly.
They both went silent for a moment.
"Thank you." She said,
"You're welcome."
She quickly grabbed her clutch bag.
He then brought out a small velvet box.
"We shouldn't forget this," he said.
Her eyes widened.
"What's that?"
"The ring."
Her breath caught.
Of course.
Engaged couples wore rings.
She opened the box slowly.
Inside sat a diamond so large it caught the light instantly.
"Ethan…this is ridiculous."
"It's believable."
She hesitated.
"May I?" He asked.
Her fingers tightened slightly before she extended her hand.
The moment his fingers touched hers, a small spark of heat ran up her arm.
He slid the ring onto her finger.
It fit perfectly.
His hand lingered for a second longer than necessary.
Neither of them spoke.
Then Amara cleared her throat and pulled her hand back.
"Well," she said lightly, "now we look convincing."
His eyes held hers.
"Yes," he said quietly.
"Very convincing."
Dinner was held at an upscale private restaurant overlooking the city.
Luxury cars lined up at the entrance.
Inside, the room was filled with powerful people, investors, executives and board members.
The moment Ethan and Amara entered, conversations paused.
Eyes turned.
Cameras from discreet media representatives flashed softly.
Ethan's hand settled lightly at her back.
A subtle gesture.
But one that felt surprisingly natural.
"Relax," he murmured.
"I am relaxed."
"You're clenching your jaw."
She forced herself to loosen it.
"Better?"
"Much."
They moved through the room greeting guests.
Some smiles were polite.
Others were calculating.
One older man approached them with a raised eyebrow.
"Ethan," he said. "You didn't waste time."
Ethan's expression remained calm.
"Mr. Langford. This is Amara."
The man studied her closely.
"So you're the woman everyone is talking about."
Amara smiled politely.
"I hope they are saying nice things."
Ethan's hand tightened slightly on her waist.
"Enjoy the evening," he said coolly.
Langford took the hint and walked away.
Amara leaned closer to Ethan.
"That man definitely hates you."
"I know."
"And you invited him?"
"Unfortunately."
She sighed.
"This job description didn't mention political dinners."
"You're doing well."
She glanced up at him.
"You sound surprised."
"I'm impressed."
The compliment caught her off guard.
Before she could respond, the room suddenly shifted.
A ripple of whispers moved through the guests.
Amara followed their gaze.
At the far end of the room, someone had just entered.
Her stomach dropped.
Daniel Reeves.
He stood near the doorway, dressed in a dark suit, looking completely out of place among the elite guests.
And he was staring directly at her.
Ethan noticed immediately.
His body stiffened beside her.
"So," Amara whispered, "that's not good."
"No." Ethan replied quietly.
"It's not."
Daniel smiled faintly from across the room.
Then he raised his glass toward them.
Like a silent toast.
Amara's pulse began to race.
"Ethan…"
"I see him."
"Is he supposed to be here?"
"No."
The calm in his voice was gone now.
Replaced with something colder.
More dangerous.
Daniel took a slow sip of his drink.
His eyes never left them.
And suddenly Amara understood something terrifying.
This wasn't just a threat anymore.
This was a message.
And Daniel had just delivered it.
Right in front of everyone.