Ben appeared at Lisa's side, his expression carefully crafted into wounded innocence. "Lisa, sweetheart, what's wrong?" He touched her arm gently, possessively. "Is this man bothering you?""This man is her husband," Mia said coldly. "And who exactly are you?""I'm Ben Marshall, Lisa's business partner and... close friend." Ben's smile was sympathetic as he looked at Alex. "Alex, I understand you're going through a difficult time right now, but taking it out on Lisa isn't fair. She's been nothing but patient with you."Alex let out a harsh laugh. "Patient? Is that what you call abandoning me in a burning building?""That's not what happened, and you know it," Lisa snapped. "I was going to send help—""But you were too busy commandeering every doctor in the city to take care of your 'business partner's' paper cut."Ben's face hardened slightly. "I was seriously injured. I needed medical attention.""You had a scratch on your arm," Alex said flatly. "I had smoke inhalation and a crushed

The Vinda family was legendary in the city—old money, with connections that reached into every corner of business, politics, and society.They owned hotels, restaurants, commercial real estate, and had their fingers in dozens of other enterprises. Even BaiShui Group, for all Lisa's pride, was nothing compared to the Vinda empire."That's right," Mia said cheerfully. "I'm Mia Vinda Richardson. The 'Richardson' is from my late husband, but the Vinda is all mine." She turned back to Harold, her voice pleasant but firm. "Please escort these two out and make sure they understand they're no longer welcome in any Vinda establishment. That includes our hotels, our clubs, and our restaurants. All fifteen of them.""Immediately, Miss Richardson." Harold's professional smile turned icy as he faced Lisa and Ben. "I'm afraid I must ask you both to leave the premises. You are no longer welcome here.""This is ridiculous!" Lisa's voice was shrill now, her carefully maintained composure crumbling. "I

As Ben drove toward BaiShui Group's headquarters, his satisfied smile grew wider. Inside, he was laughing at how easily Lisa had fallen for his manipulation. Every word he'd spoken had been carefully chosen to drive a deeper wedge between her and Alex.God, she's such a fool, Ben thought gleefully, keeping his expression neutral. A few well-placed comments about Alex's jealousy, a little sympathy, and she's completely convinced that she's the victim here. She can't even see that she's being played.It had been almost too easy. From the moment he'd met Lisa at that business conference six months ago, Ben had recognized her for what she was—ambitious, prideful, and utterly blind to genuine emotion. She was so focused on status and success that she couldn't see the difference between professional admiration and real love.Alex had been the perfect husband—loyal, supportive, never complained about Lisa's long hours or demanding career. But that had made him boring in Lisa's eyes. Easy to

His quiet strength, his refusal to accept charity, his determination to do things the right way even when life had knocked him down.And he was handsome—she couldn't deny that. Not in the polished, artificial way Ben was, but in a rugged, authentic way.The kind of man who looked like he'd actually lived life rather than just posed for it.He saved my life, Mia thought, watching Alex carefully arrange his crutches in the back seat. He carried me out of a burning building when I was too drunk to save myself. He didn't even know who I was, didn't expect anything in return. He just... did it. Because that's who he is.She felt something flutter in her chest—something she hadn't felt since her husband had died two years ago. Interest. Attraction. Maybe even the beginning of something more.Don't be ridiculous, she told herself firmly. He just left his wife. He's going through a divorce. The last thing he needs is you developing feelings for him.But as Alex settled into the passenger seat

He stepped into the shower area, careful on the wet tiles, and reached down to help Mia to her feet.His hands found her arms, and he tried very hard not to notice how soft her skin was, how her body felt pressed against him as he helped her stand."Easy," he murmured as Mia gasped in pain. "Lean on me."With his support, Mia managed to wrap the bathrobe around herself, though it clung to her wet skin in ways that made Alex's mouth go dry. Her face was bright red, matching his own."I'm so sorry," Mia whispered as Alex helped her hobble out of the bathroom. "This is so embarrassing.""Don't be sorry. Accidents happen." Alex kept his tone professional, clinical. "Let's get you to the couch so I can take a look at that ankle."He helped her to the living room and carefully lowered her onto the sofa. Mia adjusted her robe, making sure everything was covered, though the sight of her bare legs made Alex's heart race."I'm a firefighter," Alex said, kneeling beside the couch. "I've had trai