The silence in the elevator was deafening.

So Grant had already gotten to him. Perfect.

"Did Grant ask you not to take my case?" she asked quietly, staring at her shoes.

Ethan's reflection caught her eye in the mirrored wall. "Nope. I just don't mix business with pleasure."

Message received, loud and clear.

Hooking up? Sure. Legal help? Hard pass.

Her face burned.

At least he wasn't pushing for anything – though being drop-dead gorgeous probably meant he never had to.

The elevator dinged at the 28th floor.

His assistant was waiting, looking perfectly put together in a pencil skirt and blazer.

If she was surprised to see Lila there, she didn't show it. Total pro.

"Your ten o'clock is here, Mr. Caldwell."

Ethan tossed her the shopping bag. "Get this dry cleaned."

He scrolled through his phone, not bothering to look up.

"Find another lawyer. And don't trade yourself for favors – it's beneath you."

The doors closed on his perfect suit and her wounded pride.

God, what a sanctimonious jerk.

Back home, watching Ivy pace holes in the carpet, Lila knew she needed backup.

She called Chloe Hayes, her college bestie who'd hit the jackpot by marrying some tech mogul from Duefron.

The woman knew everyone worth knowing.

They met at their usual coffee spot, where Lila spilled everything.

"That snake!" Chloe slammed her hand on the table, making their lattes jump.

Then her eyes got that gossip-hungry gleam.

"Wait – back up. You and Ethan Caldwell? In a hotel room?"

Lila attacked her coffee like it had personally offended her.

"Girl!" Chloe leaned in, voice dropping to a whisper.

"Do you know how many socialites would kill to get his attention? The man's like a monk – never dates, never parties. Total mystery."

"Can we not?" Lila groaned. "I came to you because I'm desperate here."