Golden afternoon light slanted through the floor-to-ceiling windows of Alexandra's office, casting long shadows across her desk. The city outside was beginning to mellow—traffic humming in steady waves, a few distant car horns echoing between buildings. Her coffee sat forgotten and half-empty, its surface cold now, while the low murmur of a jazz playlist filled the quiet.
Alexandra flipped through a thick folder, the tip of her pen tapping absently against the desk. The air smelled faintly of paper, ink, and the last traces of roasted beans from the office espresso machine.
She pushed back her chair and stood, smoothing her blazer. Another day nearly done—but not quite. She grabbed the stack of documents that needed the CEO's signature and headed for the door.
In the CEO's Office
"Hey!" Alexandra announced as she pushed open the door to Stacy's sleek office. "Got some documents here that need your signature."
Stacy arched a brow from behind her monitor. "You actually came here for that? You could've just sent your assistant."
Alexandra shrugged, dropping the folder onto the desk. "She's swamped. Figured I'd handle one thing myself today."
Stacy's eyes narrowed playfully. "You're different lately, Alexandra Brand. Glowing, even. Is someone making you bloom like that?"
"What? No!" Alexandra scoffed, too quickly. "Just sleeping properly for once, I guess."
But her mind betrayed her—flashing immediately to Sam. The smirk, the sharp tone, the faint warmth in her chest whenever they bickered. She looked away, pretending to organize papers.
Stacy leaned back in her chair, smirking. "Come on, I've known you since we were kids. I still remember when you were head over heels for me back then."
"Ew! Why would you bring that up?" Alexandra groaned. "I'm calling Zoe now just to erase that memory!"
Stacy burst out laughing. "Whatever's going on with you—keep it up. Haven't seen you this alive since your dad passed."
The air softened for a moment. Alexandra nodded, her voice quieter.
"Yeah... speaking of Dad, we found something in his old files. He'd been looking into this company—wanted to invest. I went through everything. It's solid. The way it's being run is nearly flawless."
"You're thinking we should move forward with it?" Stacy asked, interest sparking.
"Exactly. Through H&B Holdings." Alexandra leaned back slightly. "It's a real opportunity. H&B is barely a year old, but it's already showing promise. This could be the move that puts it on the map."
Stacy's expression brightened. "That's actually brilliant. Since my brother's the acting CEO there, it'll give him experience handling something at this scale."
"That's the idea," Alexandra said. "Once we wrap up our last project at Holloway & Brand, we can shift focus to expanding H&B Holdings. He can take over the day-to-day here."
Stacy tilted her head, a proud smile forming. "If Uncle Mateo thought it was worth backing, I trust his instincts. He never made bad calls."
Alexandra grinned. "Exactly. And if it all goes south, you'll still be filthy rich. Just adopt me when I'm broke."
Stacy laughed. "Fine. But I get your handbag collection."
"Not a chance. Especially not the Birkin you've been eyeing—I ordered it first."
"You're evil," Stacy said, shaking her head, smiling.
Alexandra's phone buzzed. She glanced down and saw a message flash on the screen:
Sam: At my house. 7 PM.
Alexandra's heart did an involuntary flip
"I've gotta run," she said quickly, gathering her folders. "I'll have my assistant drop off those investment files before she leaves."
"Yeah, sure," Stacy said, signing the last page. "Whoever's got you rushing off better be worth it."
Alexandra smiled to herself, sliding the folder under her arm. "You have no idea."
---
Alexandra stepped out of the sleek black sedan, the chill of the evening brushing against her skin. The faint scent of rain lingered in the air, mixing with the hum of traffic from the main road. She turned to her driver, who stood waiting beside the car.
"You can go now, Thomas," she said, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "I'll call you when I'm done."
"Are you sure, Ms. Alex?" Thomas asked, his voice carrying a note of concern. The neighborhood was quiet—too quiet, with tall iron gates and trimmed hedges standing like guards.
"I'll be fine," Alexandra assured him with a quick smile. "It's not like she'll eat me alive."
Thomas gave a skeptical nod before slipping back into the car. The engine purred, headlights sweeping across her face for a brief second before fading into the street.
Alexandra turned toward the towering iron gate, pressed the doorbell, and waited. A faint mechanical hum followed, and the gate slid open with a low metallic groan.
As she stepped inside, the soft crunch of gravel under her heels echoed faintly in the still air. Moments later, the front door swung open, revealing Sam—immaculate as always, her hair pulled into a sharp bun, expression unreadable.
"Hi," Alexandra greeted, her tone polite but slightly guarded.
Then Sam's voice broke the silence—cool, smooth, a little too steady.
"Hi. Come in. We've got work to do."
Alexandra smiled, unable to ignore the flutter in her chest.
"Always straight to business with you."
"Someone has to keep you focused," Sam replied, stepping aside.
The scent of jasmine and polished wood filled the entryway as Alexandra stepped into the spacious living room. She sank into the plush couch while Sam handed her a glass of something golden.
"Thank you," Alexandra said, swirling the drink. The liquid shimmered under the warm light.
Sam sat beside her, crossing one leg over the other. "Now," she began, "we'll review what you know. The reunion's in a few days, and we need to execute this act flawlessly."
Alexandra smirked. "Shoot. I'm ready for this."
Sam raised an eyebrow. "All right. How many children does Nana have?"
"Five," Alexandra answered confidently. "Three boys, two girls—Harold Kingsley, Trevor Kingsley, James Kingsley, Natalie Kingsley-Holmes, and Jessica Kingsley-Davidson."
Sam nodded slightly, tapping her pen against a notepad. "And my parents?"
"Harold Kingsley and Christina Kingsley."
"How many cousins do I have?"
"Nine. Three from Trevor, two from James, two from Natalie, and two from Jessica."
"Who among them is widowed?"
"Jessica. Her husband died of cancer two years ago."
Sam's lips curved faintly. "Impressive. You've got the details down."
Alexandra leaned back, a hint of pride glinting in her eyes. "Told you. We're going to ace this."
Sam reached for a folder on the coffee table and handed it to her. "Here. Our so-called love story. Memorize it. Every word."
Alexandra flipped it open, her brows rising as she read. "Wow. Didn't know you were part novelist, part strategist."
Sam rolled her eyes. "Just read it."
Alexandra grinned. "'We met at a charity event,'" she read aloud. "So cliché. And apparently, I pursued you relentlessly? Sounds accurate, actually."
"Just go with it."
"And we've been dating for six months," Alexandra continued. "Ah, that explains why I had to learn every branch of your family tree. You want them to believe it's serious."
"Exactly," Sam said matter-of-factly. "If I fake a relationship, it has to be believable. After the reunion, we can 'break up.' Quietly. No drama."
Alexandra tilted her head. "Already planning the breakup? You wound me."
Sam's gaze lingered on her face a moment too long before she looked away. "I just don't have time for... distractions."
"You mean people," Alexandra teased, sipping her drink. "Or love?"
"Both," Sam said quietly.
"Besides..." She hesitated, swirling her drink. "...after the breakup, Nana will finally stop setting me up on dates. She'll think I'm heartbroken. That should buy me some peace."
Alexandra smirked, eyes glinting with mischief.
"Oh, but I won't break your heart, Sam."
Sam just rolled her eyes.
"You flatter yourself too much."
There was a pause—heavy, intimate. The rain outside began to fall, tapping softly against the window.
"Your grandmother must really want you settled," Alexandra said.
Sam's voice dropped. "She thinks she'll rest easier if I'm not alone. But honestly... I think being alone is simpler."
Alexandra leaned forward, her tone gentler now. "Simpler doesn't always mean better."
For a heartbeat, their eyes met—a flicker of something unspoken moving between them, as if both knew there was more beneath this arrangement than they cared to admit.
"You sound bitter," Alexandra said softly. "Ever been in love, Sam?"
Sam's eyes flicked toward her, sharp again. "That's too personal, don't you think?"
Alexandra smirked, murmuring under her breath, "Guess no one wants to date a woman with an icebox for a heart."
"What was that?" Sam asked, narrowing her eyes.
"Oh, nothing," Alexandra replied quickly, flashing a grin. "Just saying this story is good. Very believable."
Sam gave her a pointed look. "Make sure you know it by heart before the event. I'm not paying you a small fortune to ruin everything."
Alexandra's lips curved, her voice dropping almost to a whisper.
"Don't worry, boss. I always play my part... perfectly."
The silence that followed hummed with tension—not of obligation, but of something far more dangerous.