Adalyn buried herself in work. Answering emails, compiling market reports, scheduling high-level briefings. The mechanical rhythm was a welcome anesthetic.

At lunch, she skipped the cafeteria, taking her coffee to the deserted top-floor terrace. Leaning against the cold steel railing, looking out over the Manhattan skyline, her composure cracked. A single tear escaped, followed by another, falling quietly into her paper cup.

She was drowning in exhaustion—grieving a five-year relationship while terrified for Leo's deteriorating health.

"Miss Foster." A deep voice echoed from behind her.

Adalyn flinched, hastily wiping her cheek with her sleeve. "Mr. Carlisle. I'm sorry, I didn't realize anyone was up here."

Issac stepped into the pale afternoon light. Without a word, he extended a pristine white handkerchief embroidered with a subtle monogram 'C'.

She hesitated before taking it. "Thank you."

He leaned against the railing alongside her, staring out at the cityscape. "I require a favor, Miss Foster," he said smoothly.

Adalyn blinked, caught off guard. "A favor?"

He turned, his blue eyes locking onto hers. "A personal matter. I need someone to play the role of my girlfriend for an important personal visit."

She stared at him, bewildered. "Why me, Mr. Carlisle? You could ask anyone."

"You are composed, professional, and within my immediate circle," he said smoothly. "More importantly, you lack romantic interest in me, which ensures no messy complications. In exchange, I will resolve your most pressing personal difficulty."

Adalyn's heart skipped a beat. "My difficulty?"

"Your brother, Leo Foster," Issac said evenly. "End-stage renal disease. Dialysis three times a week, skyrocketing medical bills, and sitting at position 4,100 on the UNOS donor waiting list."

Adalyn felt the air leave her lungs. "You researched my family?"

"I review the circumstances of those who work directly under me," Issac replied, his tone cool and unwavering. "Agree to this arrangement, and I will personally fund his specialized care and utilize my medical foundation's network to expedite his search for an eligible donor."

It was an impossible offer to refuse. For Leo, she would do far more than play a role.

She clutched the handkerchief tightly in her palm, meeting his formidable gaze. "What exactly does this entail?"

"We begin immediately," Issac stated calmly. He turned as Liam appeared at the terrace doors holding Issac's overcoat. "Cancel my afternoon commitments, Liam. Miss Foster is coming with me."