d her eyes, but the image of the green Bentley was burned onto the back of her eyeli

afford to thi

anking app. The balance was terrifyingly low. A credit card payment was due i

imary caregiver, was waiting. A gentle, po

ndle it," she typed b

ng splash of water. There was no room for shame or

asked the driver, her voice raspy

nodded, cha

a portfolio report for a new client due by morning. Work wa

ass-and-steel tower. She got out, t

em. It didn't pull over. It slid silently past, turning the corner and me

seat, Damarcu

y, her silhouette small and defiant against the bright, empty s

ton shifted uncomfortably. The triumph

or something?" she asked, h

e driver, his voice flat. "Frank, yo

. She was smart enough not to argue. She gathered her purse

er with practiced efficiency. The Bentley was once aga

ed on the office building. His knuckles tapped a restl

A text from his

. Age 38. Divorced. No children. Clean record. Mod

pen the attachment. The doc

uction results, and market trends. Here, she was competent. Here, she had value. She was hunting for undervalued pieces, co

was past midnight when the landline on her

lurching. Who would be cal

the

m, familiar. Feli

rprised. "I'm sorry,

ntle amusement in his voice. "I saw your office ligh

ross the street.

up the Sterling

was a pause. "Actually, I'm glad I caught you. My executive assistant, Li

nner with a potential partner. The CEO of Sterling &

.. atmosphere. Bringing a thoughtful, intelligent associate would b

A social event. Playing a

ng her hesitation. "But your insight on his collection would be a great

n the air betwe

oat. She needed that money.

e said, her voice sounding m

night. Elysian Club. My office will arrange

the details

lub. A place she hadn't set foot in since

The money. It

k to her computer, a new, sharp sense of d