Ava Monroe wiped flour off her cheek with the back of her wrist, the white dust clinging like stubborn snow. The bakery smelled of fresh vanilla and warm yeast comfort in a world that hadn't felt comforting in years. She glanced at the clock above the register: 7:42 p.m. Closing time was ten minutes ago, but Mrs. Delgado always came late for her lemon tarts, and Ava never turned her away.

She slid the last tray into the display case when the bell above the door jingled. Not Mrs. Delgado.

A man stepped in tall, broad shouldered, dressed in a charcoal suit that probably cost more than Ava's monthly rent. Dark hair perfectly styled, jaw sharp enough to cut glass, eyes the color of storm clouds scanning the small space like he owned it. Which, technically, he might soon.

Ryder Kane.

Ava's stomach twisted. She'd seen his face on billboards, in news feeds, plastered across every screen in New York when Kane Enterprises announced another "revitalization" project. Revitalization. Fancy word for bulldozing family businesses like hers to build glass towers no one needed.

He didn't belong here. The bakery was tiny, cozy, with mismatched chairs and faded floral wallpaper. He looked like a predator in a petting zoo.

"Can I help you?" Ava asked, voice steady despite the way her pulse hammered.

Ryder's gaze locked on her. No smile. No warmth. Just an assessment. "Ava Monroe?"

She crossed her arms over her apron. "That's me. We're closed."

"I won't take long." He stepped closer, shoes clicking on the worn tile. "I'm Ryder Kane."

"I know who you are." The words came out sharper than she intended. "What do you want? A cupcake? Or are you here to serve the eviction notice in person?"

His eyebrow arched just a fraction, but enough to show she'd surprised him. Good. Let him be surprised.

"Not an eviction," he said smoothly. "Yet. Your lease is up in ninety days. Kane Enterprises has plans for this block."

Ava's hands clenched. "My family's been here for twenty-five years. This isn't just a building, it's memories. My dad's recipes on the walls. My mom's laugh in the kitchen. You can't just"

"I can," he cut in, voice low and final. "And I will. Unless..."

She waited, hating how he made her hang on his words.

"Unless you help me with something."

A laugh burst out of her short, bitter. "Help you? The man who's about to destroy my life? Pass."

He didn't flinch. "It's a simple arrangement. Temporary. Three months."

Ava stared. "What kind of arrangement?"

Ryder pulled out his phone, tapped the screen, and turned it toward her. A grainy photo filled the display: him at some rooftop party, arm around a stunning brunette, both laughing. The headline below screamed: *Billionaire Playboy's Latest Scandal Merger in Jeopardy?*

"Tabloids," he said flatly. "Investors hate instability. My board is breathing down my neck. They want proof I'm... settled. Reliable."

Ava blinked. "You want me to do what? Pretend to date you?"

"Engaged," he corrected. "Fake engagement. Public appearances, a ring, some photos. In return, I extend your lease. Indefinitely. And I cover any renovations your bakery needs. New ovens. Expanded space. Whatever it takes to keep it running."

The offer hung between them like smoke. Tempting. Dangerous.

Ava's mind raced. The bakery was drowning debts from Dad's medical bills, rising rent, competition from chains. Mom cried every time the mail came with another bill. Three months of pretending could save everything.

But this man? Ryder Kane? The one who'd already taken so much from her family without even knowing it?

Years ago, Kane Enterprises had bought out the strip mall where Dad's first supplier was located. Prices skyrocketed. Dad couldn't keep up. Stress led to the heart attack. And Ryder Kane had never even glanced back.

She hated him. Hated his perfect suit, his calm voice, the way he looked at her like she was a problem to solve.

"No," she said.

Ryder tilted his head. "Think carefully, Miss Monroe. This is generous."

"Generous?" She stepped around the counter, closing the distance until she could smell his cologne something expensive and woodsy. "You think throwing money at me makes up for what you've done? My dad worked himself to death because of people like you. And now you want me to smile and play fiancée? Wear your ring like some trophy?"

His jaw tightened. The first crack in that icy facade. "This isn't personal."

"It is to me." Ava's voice shook, but she didn't back down. "Get out."

For a second, he didn't move. Just studied her really looked. Like he was seeing past the flour, the apron, the anger. Something flickered in his eyes. Curiosity? Annoyance? She couldn't tell.

Then he pocketed his phone. "You'll regret turning this down."

"I already regret opening the door."

He turned to leave, paused at the threshold. "The offer stands for forty-eight hours. After that, the demolition permits go through."

The bell jingled as he stepped out into the night.

Ava stood frozen, heart pounding so hard it hurt. She gripped the counter until her knuckles whitened.

Forty-eight hours.

She could save the bakery. Save Mom. Save the only piece of Dad she had left.

Or she could tell Ryder Kane to go to hell.

Her phone buzzed on the counter. A text from Mom: *Sweetie, the bank called again. They're talking about foreclosure. I don't know what to do.*

Ava's eyes burned. She stared at the door where Ryder had disappeared, the city lights glittering coldly beyond the glass.

She hated him more than ever.

But she also hated losing.

With trembling fingers, she grabbed her coat and keys. The bakery lights flickered as she switched them off.

She was going after him.

And God helped them both when she caught up.