Chapter 31

I sit in the back seat of Rafael's black SUV, nervously fidgeting with the rings on my fingers. The leather seats and tinted windows add to the sense of luxury and secrecy, setting the tone for the important lunch with Mr. Zhan.

A mix of anticipation and unease churns inside me as I glance at my outfit. The snug white off-shoulder top clings just right, paired with a brown skirt that skims my ankles, the slit revealing a hint of leg with every step. My cream-colored heels glint softly in the light streaming through the car window, the matching handbag resting neatly beside me.

I adjust one of the delicate gold earrings dangling from my ears, my mind drifting to the unexpected revelation about the origin of my clothing. Miguel's cousin, a woman I've never met but has been carefully curating my wardrobe.

Rafael sits beside me, his attention focused on his phone as he seamlessly switches between Spanish and English, conducting business with a cool effi