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She repeats it into the phone. Another pause, then, “Yes, of course. I’ll send her right up.” The receptionist hangs up and turns to me with an apologetic look. “My mistake, Ms. Barron. Mr. Milton says to head on up. His sister will meet you there shortly.”

He’s really committed to this act, isn’t he? Fine. I’ll play along and be on my way. This little stunt won’t work.

I thank the receptionist and make my way to the elevator. As the doors close, I take a deep breath. I’m only here as a professional for my brand. That’s it. And as soon as I can, I’m leaving.

The elevator arrives, and the doors open. And there, standing right in front of me, is Elijah. That infuriating smirk plastered across his face.

“What the hell are you playing at?”

“Glad you could make it,” he says.

“Cut the crap.” I clench my fists. “You set this whole thing up, pretending your imaginary sister wants to interview me.”

Elijah stands in place, listening.

“This is just business. So don’t pull stuff like this. It’s not professional. I mean, who does that? Inventing a sister?”

I pause, catching my breath.

“Are you finished?”

I give a terse nod.

“Good.” He steps into the elevator. “Let’s go.”

“What?”

He pushes a button somewhere in the middle. “I’ll take you to my sister.”

I stare at him, dumbfounded. “Wait... your sister? She’s real?”

“Yes, very much so. She’s been looking forward to meeting you.”

The elevator doors close, and we start to descend.

“But the receptionist…”

“Ordered to act like Novalie doesn’t exist.”

Well, that’s embarrassing. “Sorry.”

“It’s alright. I know things have been… complicated between us. I don’t blame you for being suspicious.”

“So why the secret?”

“Something bad happened to her a while back. Since that she’s…” He flexes his hand. “We keep her hidden.”

I open my mouth to ask for more details, but the elevator dings, announcing our arrival.

“Right this way.” Elijah gestures for me to exit first.

I step out, my questions dying on my lips. Elijah strides past me into the hallway and stops at a door on the left, ringing at the door. Following him, I smooth my hair. Seconds later, the door opens, and a young blonde woman appears.

She throws her arms around Elijah's middle in greeting. “Missed you.”

“Missed you, too.”

After a moment, she pulls back and her gaze lands on me.

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