CHAPTER SEVEN

Lily awoke the next morning with a sense of dread lingering in her chest. The weight of her lie to Michael gnawed at her conscience. She had told him she was close to finding evidence, but the truth was, she was no closer to understanding the real threat or the extent of Aiden's involvement. All she had were vague suspicions and mounting tension.

As she prepared for work, she mentally braced herself. She had to stay sharp, keep playing her role, and avoid drawing any more unwanted attention. Yet, the way Aiden had spoken to her yesterday—it unsettled her. Did he truly suspect something, or was he just testing her?

She couldn't afford to second-guess herself now.

At Aiden's house, the day began in the usual manner. The morning passed uneventfully, filled with meetings and paperwork, but Lilys mind wandered. She kept replaying her recent interactions with Aiden, dissecting every word, every look. His warning had been cryptic, but deliberate.

By the afternoon, the tension finally reached its breaking point.

Lily was at her desk, organizing documents, when Aiden strode into the office. His usual calm demeanor was overshadowed by an intensity she hadnt seen before. Without a word, he walked straight to his desk and stood there for a moment, his hands gripping the edge. His jaw was clenched, and his eyes were darker than usual.

Whats wrong? Lily asked cautiously, glancing up from her laptop.

Aiden didnt respond right away. He seemed to be lost in thought, staring out the window as if searching for something far beyond the glass.

After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke. Do you ever wonder why youre really here, Lily?

The sudden use of her first name sent a chill down her spine. He rarely called her anything but "Miss Robinson."

I was hired to assist you, she replied, keeping her voice steady.

Aiden turned to face her, his expression unreadable. Thats the official reason. But Ive been thinking… maybe theres more to it.

Lilys heart raced. Was this it? Was he about to confront her about spying for Michael? Had he figured it out?

I dont know what you mean, she said carefully, keeping her expression neutral.

Aidens eyes narrowed slightly, as though he were weighing her response. Then, much to her surprise, he smiled—a slow, calculated smile. Of course you dont.

The moment passed, and Aiden returned to his usual composed self, moving on to discuss the details of their next meeting as if nothing had happened. But the brief exchange left Lily rattled. There was something more beneath the surface with him, something she hadnt yet grasped.

She needed to be even more careful. 

Later that afternoon, as Lily returned from lunch, she overheard a familiar voice—Amanda—speaking with Aiden in his office. The door was slightly ajar, and though Lily knew she shouldnt eavesdrop, something compelled her to pause.

…shes dangerous, Amanda was saying, her voice low but urgent. Youre letting her get too close.

Lily? Aiden replied, sounding almost amused. Youre being paranoid.

Im being cautious, Amanda snapped. You dont see it, Aiden. Shes not who you think she is.

Lilys heart pounded in her chest. Were they talking about her? Had Amanda figured out her secret?

Im well aware of who she is, Aiden replied, his tone colder now. And I dont need your advice on this.

Amanda huffed, clearly frustrated. Youre making a mistake.

Lily backed away before they could say more, her mind racing. What did Amanda mean by dangerous? And why did Aiden seem so unfazed by the warning?

That evening, Lily sat in her apartment, replaying the conversation in her mind. The more she thought about it, the more questions arose. Did Aiden already know that she wasnt a real personal assistant? Did he suspect her connection to Michael? And what was Amandas true role in all of this?

Her phone buzzed on the table, interrupting her thoughts. It was another message from Michael.

Any updates?