Page 36

I barely slept. Saying I got even an hour of rest would be an overstatement.

I spent the night drowning in records, obsessing over Irene. Over Lina. Over the fact that they share the same rare condition. The pieces of the puzzle are scattered, but the more I look, the more I start to see the bigger picture—one I might not be ready for.

My desk is cluttered with contracts and deals that need my attention, but my mind is elsewhere. And yet, even with the chaos in my head, I hear her heels clicking against the marble floors outside my door before she knocks.

“Sir, may I come in?”

Her voice is a breath of fresh air.

The damn “sir” grates on my nerves, chipping away at something in my chest. But I swallow down my irritation, clear my throat, and answer, “Come in.”

Taking one last glance at the city, the city that might hide Irene, I turn in time to come face to face with my secretary.

Lila.

Her hair is pulled back in a ponytail, sleek and perfect. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t thinking about how those silk-soft curls once felt between my fingers.

She’s dressed for business in a crisp white shirt, a black skirt hugging every curve. Unfortunately for her, that skirt makes me think about anything but business.

My gaze drags upward, shamelessly tracing her body.

Lila notices. Her lashes flutter, and she covers her surprise with a small cough.

“You have a scheduled call with Mr. Shipp from Shipman Industries. I figured you’d need the full report before bringing them on board?”

She’s acting professional.

Too fucking professional.

Her lips move, but my mind is elsewhere. On her sharp cheekbones. That dainty nose. Those green eyes that burn brighter than anything I’ve ever seen.

Then, it clicks.

Lina.

The resemblance is undeniable. The same eyes. The same lips. The same little expressions—like the way Lila scrunches her nose when she’s thinking. Just like Lina did.

A slow, steady thud of realization pounds in my chest.

Before I know what I’m doing, I step forward, invading her space.

She blinks, confused, but doesn’t back away.

My fingers brush under her chin, tilting her head up, forcing her to meet my gaze.

“Boss?” Her voice wavers.

Her chin trembles beneath my fingers.

Maybe I’m losing my fucking mind, but all those suspicions about Lina looking like Lila dissolve as soon as I lean in, inhaling the scent of her neck.

Jasmine. And something sweeter. Something uniquely her.

My mouth waters. My body gravitates toward her, helpless against the pull.

Every thought in my mind turns to putty as I wrap my hand gently around her neck, my thumb pressing lightly over her pulse.

Goddess, she smells divine.