Tyla stepped out of the restaurant and quickly typed a reply to Julian: I'm already coming, hubby.

She tapped send, a wide smile spreading across her face. Without pausing, she typed again: Meet me at the coffee shop. She hit send once more.

Moments later, she stood in front of the coffee shop, waiting for his response. She refreshed her phone repeatedly, but no new message appeared. What was I thinking? she wondered. Just because he stood up for me today?

So many thoughts raced through her mind that she was startled by the sudden honk of a car horn.

She turned abruptly and walked toward the vehicle with a hopeful smile, only to feel a wave of disappointment when she saw who was behind the wheel.

He didn't come to pick me up? she muttered to herself.

He's too full of himself, she thought bitterly. What was I expecting? That the almighty Julian-the industry devil-would personally come for me? It's just a contract marriage. In six months, it'll all be over, and I'll know my fate. I can't imagine actually marrying him. He's heartless.

She climbed into the car. It was the same driver who had dropped her off earlier.

As she settled into the seat, the day's pain and exhaustion seemed to melt away. She couldn't wait to get home, take a hot bath, and sleep. But one nagging worry lingered.

What will Jace's next plan be? How am I going to deal with them?

Lost in thought, she was interrupted by the buzz of her phone. It was a message from an unknown sender.

An unknown sender? she thought, frowning.

She opened it. It was a photo.

A picture?

She tapped to enlarge it. The image was clear: Jace gently holding Edna's hand as he helped her down a flight of stairs. It had been taken recently-Edna was still wearing the same outfit from earlier, and so was Jace. They looked every bit the loving couple.

Isn't Jace supposed to be by my side? she thought angrily. Instead, he's with his mistress.

She tried to reply to the sender, but the number was private.

Then an idea struck her. What if this person is trying to help me? She could post the photo online and drag both Jace and Edna through the media storm.

She smiled at the thought, but curiosity followed. Who would send this to me?

She turned on her mobile data, and her screen immediately filled with harsh headlines.

Former Famous Chef Tyla Parker Tries to Steal the Glory of Chef Edna Brooks

At least she was trending-that was part of her plan. And this photo had arrived at the perfect moment.

Another headline caught her eye:

Julian Crestwood-the Industry Devil-Wrecks Photographer Marcel's Career: "He'll Never Work in America Again"

The article explained how Marcel had insulted Tyla at the contract signing in her family's restaurant, prompting Julian to intervene. In his words: "Don't you have respect for a CEO in her own right?"

Tyla smiled. Now she knew exactly what to do.

Beneath the posts were cruel comments aimed at her:

She's a green-eyed monster.

Why would she snitch on her friend?

Attention seeker.

She's desperate for fame since she's no longer a star.

Tyla's smile widened. Now it's time they learn Jace's true intentions. She would create a new anonymous account and post the photo of Jace and Edna.

Meanwhile, Jace escorted Edna to her apartment, his arm wrapped protectively around her waist like a devoted husband.

"What was that wench thinking?" Edna snapped, frustration lacing her voice.

"I thought you said she agreed to do it?"

"Why would she cook that dish when she knows I can't make it?"

"Tyla has bitten off more than she can chew," Edna said with finality.

"Maybe she's angry I didn't sign the marriage papers today," Jace suggested. "That might have pushed her to sabotage you."

"Don't worry," he added reassuringly. "I know how to handle Tyla."

"Still, the media is on our side now," Jace continued. "That makes you the victim. Tyla's the villain. You have nothing to fear."

"I want the contract, Jace," Edna said desperately. "I want it."

"You'll get it," he promised. "As long as I'm still with Tyla, we can't give up on our dreams now."

He cupped her face gently in his hands.

Edna pushed him away, uninterested.

"I want Tyla to make a public apology," she said firmly. "She needs to admit she caused everything. If she does that, The Golden Crest might reconsider me."

"You're her best friend," Jace pointed out. "You should apologize too. I'll persuade Tyla-it's only fair."

"She always listens to you," Edna said coldly. "She'll do it. She's nothing but bait."

"Of course I will," Jace murmured, his hands sliding from her waist to her hips. He pulled her into a tight embrace and kissed her passionately.

Edna pushed him back again.

"Call her now," she ordered. "Tell her what we've decided."

Jace pulled out his phone and dialed Tyla's number.

Just as Tyla was about to create the new anonymous account, her phone rang.

The caller ID showed the one person she least expected to hear from tonight.

"Julian?" Tyla murmured to herself, startled by the name flashing on her screen. Why is he calling me?

"Hello?" she answered brightly, masking her surprise.

"I want you to know that the driver will take you to the lodge I've booked," Julian said, his voice cold and clipped. "You won't be coming to the house tonight."

Before Tyla could respond, the line went dead.

She stared at her phone, lips curling in disdain. "What an arrogant, self-important man."

A lodge? she thought. Why send me there? He thinks he can intimidate me? That scum won't scare me off.

Undeterred, she resumed creating her anonymous account. Just as she was about to hit sign-up, her phone rang again.

Jace.

Her expression darkened instantly. "Now he decides to call?" she muttered angrily. What scheme is he cooking up this time? Or what favor does he want from me?

She swiped to answer and waited in silence.

"Hello, Tyla," Jace said smoothly.

She didn't reply.

"Tyla? Can you hear me? Where are you?"

"Say whatever you have to say," she finally snapped.

"Tyla, sweetheart," he began, his tone placating. "I really don't understand why you had to act like that today. Edna's been your best friend-best friends aren't supposed to fight, especially not now. I had to step in because I can't let anything tarnish the reputation of Parker's restaurant. There's just one more thing I need you to do for me."

"What's that?" Tyla asked, forcing herself to stay calm.

"I'm inviting the Golden Crest executives back tomorrow, and I want you to apologize publicly in front of everyone."

"What?" Tyla interrupted sharply.

"Apologize for what, exactly? Didn't you tell me to cover for her? I did exactly what you asked-so why should I apologize now?"

Jace sighed. "Dear Tyla, you're my fiancée. This is our contract; we can't let it fall apart. I know you're frustrated, but please, do this. For my sake-for the love we've shared, the future we're building together, and for Edna too. Apologize to the executives tomorrow. Tell them you deliberately caused the scene today to gain attention... and that you pushed Edna down the stairs last night."

Tyla stared at the screen in disgust, a wicked smirk creeping across her face.

"Okay," she said coolly. "I'll do it."

"That's my girl!" Jace replied, relief flooding his voice. "I promise, once this is over, we'll sign the marriage papers, and I'll handle everything so you never have to deal with stress like this again. Okay?"

She smiled-a cold, knowing smile that screamed, Who do you think you're fooling?

"Can't wait," she replied sarcastically, then hung up.

The car pulled to a stop. Tyla stepped out and gazed up at the hotel-one of the largest and most luxurious in the city. Julian's assistant was waiting, gesturing for her to follow.

She walked silently down the opulent hallway until he stopped outside a door. "This is your suite, ma'am," he said politely, then turned and left.

Tyla scanned the corridor and the entrance to her room. Everything screamed wealth and extravagance. Inside, the suite was impeccably arranged-elegant, spotless, breathtaking.

She felt a flicker of disappointment. He's not even here?

"Well," she said aloud to the empty room, "I suppose I'll rest and prepare for tomorrow."

She sank onto the bed, savoring its luxurious softness, then Jace's words replayed in her mind.

"What does he take me for?" she muttered. A sly smile returned. "This fits perfectly. My public apology... and then photos of Jace and Edna flooding the internet. What a coincidence."

She finished setting up her anonymous account, satisfaction warming her.

Afterward, she stripped off her clothes and ran a warm bath. Wrapping herself in one of the plush towels, she slipped into the tub, closing her eyes as the water melted away the day's tension.

When she finally stepped out of the bathroom, towel knotted tightly around her slender frame, droplets still clinging to her hair, she froze.

Julian was there.

He lounged on the couch opposite the bed, wearing silk nightwear unbuttoned at the chest, revealing the strong lines of his broad torso. He was strikingly handsome-impossibly so.

Tyla couldn't tear her eyes away.

Julian looked up, his gaze tracing the water trailing down her damp hair, the towel hugging her body, exposing her smooth thighs and legs.

She truly was a vision.

Heat rose in her cheeks under his intense stare.

"Could you please give me a moment?" she said, trying to ignore the way his eyes lingered. "I need to change."

He rose slowly from the couch. For a split second, she thought he was leaving.

Then, in one fluid motion, he closed the distance between them and pulled her against him.

Their eyes locked.

Their breaths mingled, warm and close.