CHAPTER 011: It’s Over ~~Luke~~

Today’s not going as well as I planned. Well, on the business side, it is. But on the pleasure aspect, I think

I’m screwed.

When Julie sent me the address earlier today, I thought it was just a coincidence. The same restaurant I’m meeting my newest business partner happens to be where I’ll be having lunch with Julie and her husband. I should have seen this coming. It’s just like they say: when something’s too good to be true, it usually is.

I run a hand through my hair, pretending to listen to Ryan’s rambling about his company’s future while my mind is busy dissecting every single choice that led me here. I should have had my private investigator run a more thorough check on Julie. I can’t believe I’d been so careless. This wasn’t just bad luck-this was karma coming for me. “So, Mr. Martinez-” Ryan says.

“Luke, please,” I cut in, giving him a tight smile. I need to keep things light, professional. Act like I’m not currently wading through an awkward situation with my “business partner’s wife.

“Alright, Luke,” Ryan beams. “I was saying, the way Couture Collective and Paragon Jewels will complement each other in this campaign is groundbreaking. The luxury market hasn’t seen anything like