Page 66

Jaxson’s silence speaks volumes.
“He doesn’t want me involved, does he?”
“He’s trying to protect you.” Jaxson sighs. “But we need someone on the inside, someone who can help create the right... distractions at the right moments.”
My chest tightens. “Which is why you called me anyway.”
“We need you,” Jaxson says simply. “And I trust you can handle yourself. This is bigger than just Luke or his father. If Marcus succeeds, it won’t just hurt the Sterling family—it’ll affect everyone tied to the company. Employees, their families, and countless others. You’d be helping protect more people than you realize.”
“What do you need me to do?” I ask quietly.
“Accept the job,” Jaxson says. “Prepare the dinner, keep everyone focused on the event, and let us handle the rest. My team will handle the infiltration—we won’t ask you to do anything outside of your role as the chef. But your presence gives us the opportunity we need.”
I think of Luke’s careful distance last night, the strain around his eyes as he played along with Crystal’s performance. “What exactly would my role be?”
“Private chef. Create an elaborate meal, one that requires frequent check-ins from the hosts. Keep Crystal talking about the wedding. Most importantly, keep Marcus in the dining room at specific times.”
“And if something goes wrong?”
“Nothing will link back to you. You’re just the chef doing her job.”
I stand, pacing my living room. “Why me? Why not hire someone else?”
“Because Crystal asked you. You already have a reason to be there and because you understand what’s at stake.”
He’s right. I do understand. I hesitate, and the knot in my stomach tightens. Luke doesn’t want me involved, and part of me knows he’ll be furious if he finds out. But another part of me—the part that can’t stand by and let Marcus win—knows what I have to do.
“Okay.” The word comes out steadier than I feel. “I’ll do it.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.” I think of Luke’s face when Marcus mentioned escalating the wedding date. “Just... promise me one thing?”
“If I can.”
“Don’t tell Luke I know. Let him think I’m just doing my job.”
Jaxson’s quiet for a moment. “He’ll figure it out. He’s not stupid.”
“No, but he’s protective. This way, he can focus on his part without worrying about mine.”
“You care about him.” It’s nota question.
“Enough to help end this faster.”
“I’ll be in touch with more details soon. And Lila?”
“Yes?”
“Thank you.”
The line goes dead, and I set my phone down on the counter, my hands trembling slightly.
For a moment, I just sit there, the enormity of what I’ve agreed to sinking in. This isn’t just cooking dinner or playing nice with Crystal. This is about taking a stand, about fighting for something bigger than myself.
And as much as I know, it’s the right thing to do. I can’t shake the feeling that I’ve just stepped into dangerous territory.
Twenty-Two