Chapter 4The Titans Most Valuable Investment

But late tonight, after reviewing my latest case brief, he suddenly sent a chilling message.

[Keeley, your writing style has changed recently. You are much more analytical and emotionally detached than you used to be.]

My heart slammed against my ribs. The comments immediately threw a parade.

[He’s suspicious! Oh my god, the reveal is finally happening!]

[Brace yourself, side-character. The hurricane is coming...]

I steadied my breathing, my fingers flying across the keyboard:

[I'll take that as a compliment. People have to grow up eventually. Right now, I'm entirely focused on moving upward.]

A long time passed after I sent the text. Then, G sent an audio message.

"Good. Keep that ambition. Keep that hunger."

It was the first time I had ever heard his voice.

It was deep, textured, vibrating with an undeniable magnetism—and carrying a faint, unmistakable trace of amusement.

"I am flying back to the States the middle of next month. I’m hosting a private, closed-door gala. You will attend as my plus-one. It is time for a practical exam."

My fingers curled tight around the phone.

The day of reckoning was finally here.

[MAJOR SCENE INCOMING! The collision course is set!]

[Keeley is definitely going to be at that gala. The fake girlfriend and the real one in the same room? The drama is going to be delicious.]

[According to the plot, Gideon is going to publicly humiliate Maeve, throw her out, and then immediately grovel to Keeley.]

Staring at those venomous words, I quietly clenched my jaw.

I hadn't spent the last few months bleeding over spreadsheets and market analyses just to be someone's stepping stone.