Stella rolled her eyes. “I’m not. He’s paying for it himself.”

“There’s no way a guy like him has that kind of cash!”

“Ever heard the phrase ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’? Just because your pockets are empty doesn’t mean everyone else’s are.”

Stella linked her arm through Lemira’s and walked over to the desk, only to find that Caleb had not only purchased the multimillion-dollar car but had registered the title entirely in Stella’s name.

Lemira saw the paperwork and grinned mischievously at her friend. “Looks like someone bought you a present.”

Stella’s cheeks flushed crimson. She looked up at Caleb. “Why did you do that? I don’t need a gift this expensive! Plus, I don’t even drive.”

Because of her leg injury, Stella had always hated being behind the wheel.

Caleb’s expression didn’t change. “I’ll drive you.”

Lemira chuckled from the sidelines. “She’s got a point. Why pass up a free, incredibly handsome chauffeur?”

Stella’s heart began to hammer against her ribs, but something still felt off. Caleb wasn’t the type to flash wealth or show off like this.

But this wasn’t the time or place to interrogate him.

It wasn’t until Caleb signed the final document and the rep handed over the keys that Dorian finally accepted the reality: the “broke bodyguard” had just bought the most expensive car in the showroom.

Dorian was practically suffocating on his own jealousy. “You’re really throwing money around, Stella.”

“You mean my bodyguard is throwing money around,” she corrected smoothly.

“Whatever. As if a rent-a-cop could afford something like this on his own.”

Lemira shot him a withering look. “Who said he was always a bodyguard? If you’re this ignorant, do us all a favor and stop embarrassing yourself in public.”

Dorian looked like he was about to blow a gasket. Thoroughly humiliated, he couldn’t bear to stand there a second longer. He turned and stormed out of the showroom.

Stella burst into laughter. “I think Dorian might actually have an aneurysm.”

Lemira was just relieved the arrogant jerk was finally out of her sight.

Stella turned to her. “Did you figure out what you want?”

Lemira hesitated. “I still want a standard, low-profile SUV.”

“Why?”

“It plays better for the media. Looking modest and slightly pitiable is how you control the narrative right now.”

It was a calculated PR move, but honestly, she also just wanted to keep her head down.

Caleb pointed toward the large glass windows. “There’s a standard dealership right across the street. Want to check it out?”

Lemira nodded and headed for the exit.

Stella hung back for a second, grabbing Caleb’s arm. “Seriously, where did you get all that money?”

If that idiot Dorian hadn’t been standing there running his mouth, she never would have let Caleb buy the car.

Caleb pressed the heavy key fob into her palm, a rare, sly smirk crossing his face. “A sucker paid for it. Just make sure you take temira out for a spin to clear her head.”

Stella stared down at the keys, the realization hitting her like a freight train.

Orion had paid for it.

She lowered her voice. “Why are you acting as his inside man?”

“I just sent him a picture and told him Lemira was admiring it. He bought it instantly.”

“But why is my name on the title?”

Caleb shrugged calmly. “Don’t worry about it. He volunteered.”

Stella gave him a sideways glance. “Then why did you give it to me?”

“I don’t need it.”

Caleb was infuriatingly unfazed. Stella stole a glance at him. Did she look like someone who needed a supercar?

He had essentially extorted Orion Everhart for millions of dollars, then casually handed her the keys as a gift.

Still, gripping the leather fob, she couldn’t deny she really wanted to take Lemira out for a ride.

They crossed the street to the other dealership, where Lemira quickly purchased a reliable, unassuming SUV.

Caleb looked at the two girls. “I’ll drive the SUV back. You two take the sports car.”

Stella panicked slightly. “I’m not comfortable driving that.”

Lemira plucked the supercar keys from Stella’s hand. “I’ll drive it.”

As Lemira fired up the roaring engine and pulled out onto the street with Stella in the passenger seat, Caleb snapped a quick photo of Lemira at the wheel He climbed into the SUV and followed close behind.

Moment later, Orion’s phone buzzed with the image. It was a shot of Lemira driving

the convertible, her hair whipping in the wind, looking profoundly burdened.

Back at the precinct, Mr. Alfred

approached Orion. “Mr. Everhart, the Langston family just contacted me to officially terminate my services and switch counsel

Orion frowned deeply. “The Langston family doesn’t have the right to make that

call.”