Naughty Nice [chapter 3] May 2026

"You’re being too quiet," Marcus said, his voice dropping an octave. He didn’t look up from the ledger. "It makes me think you’re actually considering the 'Nice' route. We discussed this, El. Nice doesn't pay the lease on this building."

Elena felt the last of her hesitation dissolve, replaced by a cold, sharp adrenaline. She pulled the folder toward her and clicked her own pen. Naughty Nice [Chapter 3]

"The choice was made the moment we signed that first contract," he reminded her. He leaned across the table, the scent of expensive cologne and cold winter air rolling off him. "Don't get cold feet just because the lights are prettier this time of year. We’re deep enough that the only way out is through." "You’re being too quiet," Marcus said, his voice

Marcus finally looked up. His eyes, usually bright with a curated, boy-next-door charm, were dark and sharp. This was the version of him the board members never saw—the 'Naughty' hidden beneath the bespoke wool suit. We discussed this, El

"If we do this," she whispered, her fingers hovering over the folder, "there’s no going back to the way things were. We aren't the heroes of this story anymore."

The "Nice" Elena would have walked away. But Chapter 3 belonged to someone else entirely.

Elena looked at the file folder sitting between them. It was labeled Project Kringle —a name so wholesome it made her stomach turn. Inside were the routing numbers that shouldn't exist and the signatures she had forged with a shaking hand just three hours ago.