was cast aside onto the seat beside h

cascade of notifications flooded her screen. Her best friend

s swarmed with hundreds of likes and comments. The news wa

hone to silent, shoving it deep into her b

ar, suffocatingly grand facade of the Carlisle

"Or, if you prefer, I can have my assi

ght her off guard. She nodded, h

eping driveway to the main entrance, it felt like cros

ngering over a second cup of coffee at a cafe downtown,

office, tried Saul's number aga

th a frustrated tug and de

rushed towards him, his face pale. "Mr. Edwards, Garrett

the elevator button. H

ess. "He just posted a picture of a m

h. He and Garrett had been rivals for years, in busines

robably some model desperate to marry into mon

ay. He pulled out his phone ag

reeted him: "The user you are ca

fear pierced through his annoyance. He was losin

er mother, Kristen Carlisle, and her stepsister, Kamila,

tly wrapped in a bandage. She leaned against K

with contempt. "So you decided to come back? Kayson already called me to apologize

trait of maternal betrayal. A chilling coldness

he grand staircase, heading straight for the narrow h

from the kitchen, her face etched with

ssuring smile that didn't rea

ramped space and the rest of the opulent house was a constant reminder of her place. She pulled out the suitcase she always

nswered it, his posture relaxing slightly.

nd measured as ever. "You got

tt replied, a lazy draw

nce said flatly. "Bring

partment window, a slow smile spre