“Then don’t be,” he replied. “But be ready. Because the moment we walk into the Founder’s Day Gala together, the war begins. Your mother will disown you. My family will weaponize you. And this town will feast on the scandal.”

As we sat on the patio, sipping our drinks and watching the stars come out, I felt a sense of unease wash over me. There was something about Alexander that seemed to be pulling me in, something that I couldn't quite resist.

I had always been drawn to the ocean, and Ravenswood seemed like the perfect place to escape and recharge. I had rented a small cottage on the outskirts of town, hoping to keep a low profile and focus on my art. But now, as I walked along the beach, I couldn't help but feel like I was being watched.

Chapter 2 – “Heat of the Secret”