Chapter 7 Lies We Live With

9:00 AM – Penthouse Dining Area

The sun poured through the glass walls like it didn't know the air was thick with tension.

Amara stood across the kitchen island, arms folded, blocking Sebastian's path to his espresso machine like a silent challenge.

"I want the truth," she said.

He didn't flinch. "About?"

"You know what."

Sebastian's jaw clenched. He reached past her for a mug. Calm. Cold. Calculated.

"I told you, I knew your father. That's not a crime."

"No, but whatever happened between you two-it feels like one."

He took a slow sip. "Careful, Amara. You're walking a fine line."

She laughed, sharp and humorless. "No, you are. You hired me under false pretenses. You put me in the middle of something you're not even man enough to name."

He set his mug down.

Hard.

"You want a name?" His voice dropped, deadly quiet. "Your father was a liar. A thief. He ruined lives-including my family's."

She blinked. "What?"

He took a step closer. "In 2007, your father ran a real estate fund. He pitched my father on a development project in Paris. Millions invested. My father-" his voice cracked just barely, "-put everything into it."

Her throat tightened. "And?"

"And it was a scam. Fabricated contracts. Shell companies. When it all collapsed, your father walked away clean-and we lost everything."

Amara's heart pounded. "No. That can't be true."

"I watched my father drink himself to death because of your family's betrayal."

She shook her head slowly, as if denial could change history. "My dad... he was strict. Tough. But he wasn't that."

Sebastian leaned in, voice low and laced with restrained rage. "So now you know. That's why you're here. I brought you close to remind myself that even the most beautiful things can be born of destruction."

Her breath caught. "So this-me working for you, staying here-this has all been revenge?"

He didn't answer.

And the silence said enough.

Later That Day - Guest Room

Amara stared at the box of samples and sketches on her bed.

Every design idea suddenly felt meaningless.

She picked up her sketchpad-and tore it in half.

Everything she'd built here, every bit of trust, every flicker of chemistry between her and Sebastian, had been rooted in a lie.

A setup.

A twisted, beautifully orchestrated game.

And she'd fallen for it.

Her chest burned with rage-and something worse.

Disappointment.

Because somewhere along the way, she'd started to want him.

And now?

She didn't know if she wanted to kiss him or slap him.

Cade Enterprises - Executive Office

Sebastian stared out the window, fists clenched.

He had told her.

He had let the truth out.

But it didn't feel like victory.

It felt like loss.

He never expected her to look so... hurt.

And he never expected it to matter.

"Damn it," he muttered.

This wasn't how revenge was supposed to feel.

Amara's Journal - That Night

He hates me for something I didn't do.

He's using me. I should leave.

But then he looks at me like I'm the only person who sees past his armor.

And it's killing me that I still want him.