Chapter Two

Grace’s POV

Traffic was lighter than usual on the way back to the office, leaving me less time to dwell on the weight of everything. Once I arrived in the underground parking lot, I just sat in my car a few minutes longer. I stared out the windshield at the elevator bank.

Getting on one of those lifts would take me to my desk, the last place I wanted to be. I could practically feel Hunter’s presence waiting for me upstairs. How was I supposed to face him, knowing his child could be inside me?

The weight of it crushed me. Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. Maybe I was the selfish bitch Mum had called me last night, but I wasn’t sure I had it in me to go through with this. Carrying a baby for nine months and handing it over like it meant nothing... the thought alone made my chest tighten.

Even the psychologist had doubts about my emotional suitability. The first psychologist was concerned about the legal requirement for a woman to have had her own child before becoming a surrogate. Which was hard, considering I was a virgin. Mum had replaced her. She made sure I was approved by the next one, someone who would sign the paperwork without asking too many questions.

Just how many doctors did Helena and Mum bribe to get their way?

I wasn’t even sure if my physical tests came back okay or if they fudged them. Did Hunter know? Was he in on it, too? I hadn’t thought Helena was until I overheard them outside my hospital room.

Hunter was determined to have a child. He was ruthless, used to getting what he wanted. Why wouldn’t he be okay with using my body to fulfill that desire? To use me as an incubator.

Sighing deeply, I got out of the car. I couldn’t stay here forever, not with the chance someone would notice. Slinging my handbag over my shoulder, I walked toward the elevators and hit the button.

A sound behind me made me turn slightly. A man in his mid-thirties was walking toward me, his shoes clicking on the polished floor. He had that same confident stride Hunter had men of power had that walk.

He wasn’t hard on the eyes. Short, back-and-sides haircut, chiseled jawline, deep-set blue eyes framed by dark brows. He carried himself with effortless confidence, and something about him caught my attention.

Realizing I was staring, I quickly turned away, thankful when the elevator doors opened. I stepped inside, hit the button for the top floor, and moved to the back of the lift. The man followed, about to press the same button, until he noticed it was already lit. He gave me a polite smile and a nod before leaning against the side wall.

I could feel his eyes on me. His presence was undeniable. I didn’t know who he was, but if he was headed to my floor, I assumed he must know Hunter. I returned a small smile, but focused on the flashing numbers.

Suddenly, the lift jolted, and I screamed, my body thrown sideways. The next thing I knew, strong arms were around me, keeping me upright. The lights flickered, then went out completely, leaving us in darkness.

“Are you okay?” came a deep voice from above me.

“I think so,” I managed, pushing against his chest. “I’m fine. You can let go now.”

“Sorry.” The red emergency light flickered on, casting an eerie glow over his face. He released me and stepped to the control panel, pressing the alarm button. “Doesn’t look like it’s moving anytime soon.”

“I can’t believe this,” I muttered. Just what I needed today.

“Claustrophobic?”

“No,” I replied.

He smirked. “So, what’s the problem? Stuck in a lift with me too much to handle?”

I rolled my eyes. “You have an inflated sense of importance.”

The phone rang. He opened the box below the panel and lifted the receiver. “Yeah... it stopped… Emergency lights came on... There’s just two of us... Okay, thanks.” He hung up.

“Did they give you an idea of how long we’ll be stuck?”

He shook his head. “Only that they’ve sent a crew.”

I pulled out my phone. No signal. Of course. I shoved it back into my bag and eyed the camera in the corner. Someone could inform Hunter. “Should we try to get out ourselves?”

“No. We wait. Hopefully not long,” he said calmly.

“Rest and don’t stress for a few days,” I muttered, echoing the doctor’s words.

“What was that?”

“Nothing,” I said quickly. “I talk to myself sometimes.”

He chuckled softly. “Sometimes you’re the only one who gets it, right?”

I smiled faintly. There was something oddly comforting about his presence. “I’m Grace, by the way. I work here.” I offered my hand.

He took it with a steady grip, his eyes meeting mine. “Nice to meet you, Grace. I’m Max.”

“Nice to meet you, Max.” Our handshake lingered. His eyes held mine, and for the first time in a while, I felt seen.

“I’m here visiting Hunter. We’ve known each other for years. Went to university together.”

I blinked. “Really? I didn’t meet you at the wedding.”

“Couldn’t make it. I’ve met his wife, though.”

The mention of Helena made me tense. “She’s my sister.”

His brows lifted. “That must be tough, having your brother-in-law as your boss.”

I shrugged. “It has its moments. At least he can’t scream at me.”

“I’m sure it’s more complicated than that,” he said. “But I respect your professionalism.”

“Thank you,” I said, trying to steer away from Helena. She had tunnel vision when she wanted something, often disregarding other people’s feelings.

“I don’t see the resemblance between you and Helena,” Max said.

“She’s... beautiful?”

He smiled. “No, I was going to say flashy. Don’t get me wrong, she’s beautiful,” he looked at me, “but I’m attracted to a more subtle beauty.”

Heat rushed to my cheeks. His words lingered. For the first time in a long while, I felt... noticed.

“I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” Max said. “But I’d be an idiot not to say something while I have your undivided attention.”

“You didn’t. I’m just not used to men...” I hesitated. “Helena has always been more social than me.”

“That has no appeal for me.” He grinned. “In fact, will you have dinner with me tonight?”