next

was freezing, heavily air-conditi

ort-handed, carried a massive, silver tray loaded with bla

raphic projector hummed. A 3D model of a specta

gel's

glowing diamonds. The usual ice in his gaze was gone, replaced by a haunt

k coffee on the coaster. Seeing that look on his

r, holding a laser pointer. Sh

," Brittany announced proudly. "We have perfe

s. Out of pure, ingrained professional habit, her eyes scan

s. That was

nts on the platinum prongs holding the fifty-c

the grand finale at next week's charity gala. It will sol

that necklace for more than two hours, the body heat and movement woul

he table broke into lou

to the art of jewelry making. A s

droom, the sound

nty pairs of eyes snapped toward

placed by a layer of frost so thick it was suffocating. Hi

ed finger at Aubree. "How dare you? A coffee-fetc

e didn't shrink back. She straightened h

in," Aubree stated, her voice cal

assive stone on that tiny clasp, won't it just sna

owned, looking back at the hologram, suddenly unsure. Even phrased as a

a

to the glass table. The viol

ulterated rage. He walked slowly around the table,

ice was a low, lethal growl. "You think you h

break eye contact. "Physics don't cha

he room seem

her face. "Your jealousy is sickening. You are a vile, manipulat

nt. "Ell, she might be a corpor

s on Aubree. "Revoke her access to the main build

ard immediately. They grabbed Aubree by th

d her towa

gged her through the doorway, her hip and lower a

pain ripped thr

e draining of all color. She doubled

s eyes were flat, devoid o

airs if you have to,"

s slammed shut in her fa

e wrapped both arms around her stomach, panting heavily.

. The pain in her body faded, repla

f her heart had