The next morning was painfully awkward.
Nancy tiptoed into the kitchen, fully expecting Adrian to avoid her—or worse, pretend nothing had happened. Instead, he was already there, flipping pancakes like some domestic dream.
"Good morning," he said, not looking up.
"Morning," she replied cautiously, sliding onto a stool.
He placed a stack of pancakes in front of her. "Extra syrup. No judgment."
She blinked. "You remembered that?"
"I'm observant," he said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
They ate in silence, the kind that buzzed with too many unsaid things.
Finally, Nancy set her fork down. "About last night—"
"That was my fault," Adrian interrupted quickly. "It shouldn't have happened."
Nancy swallowed. "Right. It was just… heat of the moment."
"Exactly."
"Totally fake."
He hesitated. "Of course."
But both of them knew it wasn't.
---
Meanwhile – Blackwood Group Headquarters
Harold Blackwood slammed his palm against the desk. "They're falling for each other. That's not part of the plan!"
Camille crossed her arms. "Actually, it was never your plan. You underestimated her."
He glared. "Fix it. We can't afford to lose control. If Adrian falls for that girl, the will is no longer useful. And we lose the company."
Camille's expression darkened. "Then maybe it's time we remind Nancy of her real place in all this."
---
Back at the Cabin
Adrian opened his laptop, scanning through emails while Nancy bundled up to take a walk outside. She needed space. Clarity. Distance from the man who'd kissed her like she meant something.
Snow crunched under her boots as she followed a trail into the woods behind the cabin. The quiet was a balm… until she noticed something odd.
Footprints. Fresh ones. But they didn't belong to her or Adrian.
She turned around slowly, her heart suddenly pounding.
"Beautiful day, isn't it?" came a voice behind her.
Nancy spun around to see a woman in an expensive coat, holding a camera.
"Who are you?" Nancy asked.
The woman smiled. "Let's just say I work for someone who doesn't believe in fairy tales. Smile, sweetheart. Your contract ends when the truth comes out."
Click.
A flash. Then the woman was gone.
Nancy stood frozen in the snow, suddenly realizing just how dangerous this game had become.