Fall From Grace, Rise To Reign

Behind Jeremy, Erin's eyes flared with awe when she caught Dylan's face, but then cooled into open contempt.

"Miss White, even if you failed to win Jeremy, you shouldn't just pick a random guy," she said sharply, folding her arms.

Jeremy rested his hands on her shoulders and murmured softly, "Once I ignore her for a few days, she'll come crawling back to apologize."

After Erin nodded obediently, he turned back toward Lainey.

"Lainey, you'll regret this, I won't let this go so easily."

With those cutting words, he led his group away.

Watching their figures fade, resolve flickered quietly in Lainey's eyes.

If Jeremy had only kept his promise to marry her, he would have become the envy of all, but now...

She had repaid the life she owed, and it was time to make him pay.

Suddenly, a voice cut through her thoughts, sharp and hurried.

"Mr. Roberts, we found something," Ian said, breath tight as he stepped closer.

He froze the instant he noticed Lainey standing there beside Dylan.

"Mr. Roberts?" Lainey asked slowly, studying Dylan. "Are you with the Roberts family?"

Just as she was about to press for answers, Dylan leaned in with a lazy smile, "What, you dislike the title?" he whispered. "Or do you think I do not deserve it?"

Color rushed to Lainey's cheeks, the doubt in her eyes fading under the closeness.

So many people carried the name Roberts. Maybe it meant nothing at all.

Dylan used the moment to glance at Ian, who slipped away at once, melting into the dim corridor.

Dylan straightened and took a step back.

"If you're trying to make him jealous with me," he said calmly. "You picked the wrong man."

He turned as if to leave.

Lainey caught her breath and said, "You misunderstood. I'm simply drawn to you, and it has nothing to do with anyone else."

Dylan's stride slowed, enough for Lainey to add, "Date me for a month, and I'll let you name the price."

With only one month left, if she failed to bring a man home, she would have to accept the promise made six years ago and marry the head of the Roberts family.

The thought sent a cold shiver sliding down her spine.

A glint sparked in Dylan's eyes as he turned to meet Lainey's gaze, something unreadable flickering there.

"I'll agree," he said slowly, a faint smile curving his lips. "But only if you accept one condition."

"What condition?" Lainey asked, brows knitting as curiosity softened her voice.

"While we're together," he said calmly, hands slipping into his pockets. "We stay out of each other's private worlds."

"That's exactly what I wanted," she replied with quiet relief, extending her hand and adding. "I'm looking forward to this."