The announcement shocked everyone.
"Reyes Holdings and Velasco Tech will be entering a strategic partnership—"
Flashes of cameras filled the room.
Reporters shouted questions.
But Amara could only feel one thing—
Adrian's hand, lightly resting at the small of her back.
Guiding her.
Steady.
Warm.
It was part of the act.
It had to be.
So why did it feel so real?
"Smile," he murmured under his breath.
"I am."
"Not like you're about to fire someone."
She resisted the urge to elbow him.
Barely.
The press conference ended, but the tension didn't.
Because now—
They were alone.
In a quiet hallway.
Too close.
"You planned this," Amara said, crossing her arms.
"Partially."
Her eyes narrowed.
"You manipulated the board."
"I convinced them."
"That's not better."
A small silence.
Then—
"You could've said no," Adrian added.
She didn't respond.
Because they both knew the truth.
She didn't want to.
"Why me?" she asked finally.
His answer came without hesitation.
"Because you're the only one I trust not to lie to me."
That… caught her off guard.
"Trust?" she repeated softly.
"Don't get used to it."
But it was already too late.
Because something in his voice—
Something unguarded—
Had reached her.
"You're impossible," she said quietly.
"And yet…"
He stepped closer.
Not enough to touch.
But enough to matter.
"You said yes."
Her heart betrayed her again.
And this time—
She couldn't ignore it.
"This is business," she reminded him.
"Of course."
But neither of them moved away.
And neither of them believed it.