The dining table was covered with dishes I'd made, all of Giles's old favorites.
"What's this supposed to mean?" Giles frowned at me. "Playing the dutiful little wife now? Trying to win me over?"
I ignored the jab.
"I have something I want to discuss with both of you."
"There's a client hosting a birthday party the day after tomorrow. Everyone's expected to bring a plus-one."
"Giles, I need you to play the part of my boyfriend for one day. After that, I'll move out by the end of the month, just like I promised. Clean break."
Giles shook his head reflexively.
"No. I can't do that. I won't do that to Lissa."
I pulled a bank card from my bag and set it on the coffee table.
"A hundred thousand dollars. For one day."
The living room went silent.
Giles stared at the card. His Adam's apple bobbed.
I knew he needed the money. After signing with Gilbert Media, the company had enrolled him in a training program that came with a hefty fee. He needed this.
"But..."
He looked at Lissa, hesitant.
"It's fine." Lissa spoke up, wearing a magnanimous smile. "Giles, just think of it as doing her a favor. A clean break is the right thing."
Behind that smile, her eyes glinted with calculation.