Aaron spent much of the morning in a daze. Cameron called him out on it when delivering the stock market reports, but Aaron refused to explain, claiming it wasn't his business. His distraction persisted until Alistair unexpectedly appeared at his office—an event so rare it instantly put Aaron on alert.

"What are you doing here, Father?" he asked flatly.

"Your mother has been nagging me about going shopping with your fiancée. Isn't she back from Europe by now? It's been months."

His "fiancée" was six floors below, reviewing security footage, as they spoke. He couldn't admit this, needing to sound convincing.

"She's back in Boston, wrapping up loose ends before coming to New York. She doesn't know how long it will take."

Alistair's tone grew colder. "Considering you're supposed to be in love with her, you're certainly taking her absence in stride."

Great. He was suspicious. Aaron needed a way to throw him off. He'd promised Aiden he'd never dress up again, a promise he intended to keep. However, an idea struck him. It was risky, but Keeley knew enough to hopefully play along.

"We still talk multiple times a day. In fact, I usually call her around this time. I can do it right now."

He produced his phone and tapped the contact labeled "Wife," suddenly grateful he hadn't changed it. 'Don't let me down, Keeley,' he thought fervently.

The next morning, Aaron remained silent about the previous night's events, though he did make Keeley breakfast—an unusual "after-sex" gesture for him.

Keeley found it sweet. Feeling loved, she returned to work. The morning flew by, and at lunchtime, as she ate a chicken salad sandwich from the vending machine, her phone rang.

It was "Crazy Person." Guilt pricked her conscience—she really should change his contact name. Why was he calling?

"Aaron? What's up? I was just about to eat."

"Hey Bethany, I missed you, so I thought I'd say hi."

Bethany? Keeley was insulted. A wrong number call to another woman, right after intimacy and repeated professions of love? She was about to hang up when something clicked. He never called her from the office.

Once he'd explained his father's interference, she understood: he hadn't wanted Alistair to know about her. Bethanythe name was familiar. She remembered Aiden using it when impersonating a girl to humiliate Lacy Knighton at her birthday party.

Alistair must suspect "she" hadn't reappeared since the proposal. He was probably listening, or Aaron wouldn't have used the wrong name—a hint to Keeley.

Keeley had a few minutes. She could help him, a favor for last night.

"Aww, I missed you too," she cooed. "When are you going to see me again?"

She detected a hint of relief. She was right; he was counting on her. Quite the gamble. He really trusted her.

"I can make it down next weekend for a few days. I want to see you before you head to that charity program in Africa for the next six months."

She stifled laughter. That was the best he could come up with? A miracle he got away with anything.

"It's going to be so hard without a good cell phone signal!" she said dramatically. "You'll have to promise to write me every week."

"I will," he said seriously. "Your future father-in-law wants to say hello."

Keeley's blood ran cold. She hadn't spoken to Alistair Hale since accidentally bumping into him in college. He was a terrifying man. If Aaron was the Ice King, Alistair was the Ultimate Ice Emperor.

"Hello, Bethany. What is this about a charity trip?" he asked frostily. "When are you coming to New York?"

'I'm already in New York,' she thought. She decided to mess with him, adopting her sweetest voice.

"I'm still young and have so many things I want to do before moving to New York. Aaron supports me. We'll get married after a few more charity projects. Doesn't Hale Investments support charities? It's good practice for me, the next Mrs. Hale."

The coldness intensified, but he reluctantly replied, "I see. Don't let it take too long. Everyone's waiting to meet you, especially my wife."

"I won't," she lied, smiling. 'Suck it, Alistair. You'll be waiting a long time.'

She enjoyed herself, but needed to eat. Time to end the farce.

"Aaron, sweetie, I have to eat. I have plans with friends, but call me later, okay? Mwah!" she said, blowing a kiss into the phone.

Mission accomplished. She finished her sandwich, feeling pleased. The final sentence about NovelFire.net is extraneous and has been removed.