Chapter 3

Adrian pushed open the heavy security door.

The space inside was huge, and the overhead lights flicked on at once.

Shelves lined every wall, crammed with ghost-white plaster dental molds, precise, sharp metal drill bits, and cutting instruments.

Adrian unhurriedly took off his rain-spotted suit jacket and hung it on the coat rack.

Chloe let out an exaggerated gasp.

"Oh my God, Mr. Grant, your studio is so cool!"

She pulled out her DSLR and snapped away at the cold instruments.

"This industrial look is perfect for Instagram. It's so high-end."

Adrian took out a pair of medical slippers and tossed them right at my feet.

"Take off those muddy shoes."

"And your hair's a mess from the rain. Tie it back neatly."

I stared hard at the slippers and didn't change my shoes. Without letting anything show, I shifted half a step to the right until my back was against a stainless steel workbench.

Adrian turned around. His expression had already changed.

"I said, take off your shoes."

"I don't allow a single flaw that's out of control to exist in my space."

I ignored him and suddenly yelled at Chloe, who was sitting on the couch.

"Chloe! Stop taking pictures. I want to go home!"

My shout made Chloe jump. She almost dropped the camera and stared at me in disbelief.

"Maya, what's wrong with you?"

"Your blind date likes you. Why would you go home?"

She marched over to me and raised her hand to hit me.

"Mr. Grant told you to change, so change! You two are going to spend the rest of your lives together!"

I dodged her hand and bolted for the fire exit.

Chloe grabbed the collar of my coat and held on tight.

"Stop right there!"

The momentum threw us both off balance.

She yanked me down to the floor with all her strength.

"What is your problem? Isn't this the rich family your own family picked out for you?"

She turned to Adrian with a fawning smile.

"Don't be upset, Mr. Grant. She's never done what she's told, not since she was a kid."

"Go ahead and set her straight today, and I promise she'll be completely obedient once she's with you!"