Page 73 of My Ruthless Opponent

“What is it?” he motions to the phone.

“He was asking about the rumors circulating about us. I am going to tell him about our engagement tonight.”

Archer keeps an eagle eye over us.

I didn’t bother to ask how he managed to read texts from group chats. Because those are gossip nooks and nobody would like their boss to be in it.

That’s not the point here, anyway. The point is, everything is happening according to Raleigh’s predictions. The base of our story is ready.

“I’ll come with you.”

“No.” I snap before pressing my phone to my ear.

“I’m sorry, I have to go but I’ll call you back in a few.” I cringe as I abort the call.

“I wasn’t asking, princess. If you are going to tell him about us, we might as well do it together.” He slips his hand in his pockets.

“Oh, yeah, that’s agreatidea.” I roll my eyes.

“He is our friend but you are more emotionally connected to him than I am. Will you be able to lie to his face?”

I look away.

“That’s what I thought.”

Raleigh closes the distance between us and grabs me by my shoulders. “I’ll handle it. Text him that I will be joining you guys tonight.”

With a sigh, I agree. Tonight. I’m already dreading it. Not because I don’t trust Raleigh. I trust his deceiving techniques. The thought of hurting my best friend intentionally is making me uneasy.

But as my fake fiancé says, “Everything is fair in love and business.” There’s no turning back now.

Chapter Fifteen

For the first time, I am not excited as I enter my favorite Korean BBQ restaurant—Quarters—in Koreatown.

Archer and I frequent this place. He introduced me to Korean food during my second week in Los Angeles and I was instantly in love.

But as I walk through the bar area, my stomach is in a knot and my palms are sweaty.

We are not only going to give Archer the news of our sudden engagement tonight, but we are also going to surprise him with Victor’s contract.

If not presented well, Archer is going to link the connection between my engagement and Victor.

Raleigh has to execute his show tonight with critical detailing. He has to make it seem like landing Victor’s contract is a coincidence rather than a well-planned move.

I glare at Raleigh when he takes my hand in his as we enter the dining area of the restaurant.

My car is still in the office parking lot. So Raleigh drove me here.

I yank my hand. “Don’t.”

He glares at me and I stop walking.

“Remember you guys call me Ice Queen? Like you all, Archer is also under the impression that I don’t show emotions much. Showing up with my hand in yours implies that we are trying too hard. I won’t ever do cheesy shit like that. He knows it. And even you know it.”

He nods slowly and releases my hand.

“Oh, and this is a Korean restaurant. I hope you’re familiar with the cuisine.”

---