lia

ace down in my palm,

king about some

had just forced to get an abortion couldn't cause any waves anyway.

at the small desk in the

eed to purchase the Manhattan penthouse for thirty-four mi

ceed with the

later, Jac

was sharp and pragmatic. "You're dealing with Brendan Potts. If he finds out you lied

the divorce papers are signed and the money h

will

orporate influen

ne, followed by a low whist

with. I'll expedite the buyer's earnest money deposit

won

to the Caribbean with his secretary. She fought tooth and nail for three years to establish herself in commercial real estat

tler, Harris, knocked on the gue

rmal dinner for eight tonight. He said Miss Aurora Nels

my desk, my face compl

s. I'll go check t

helped the staff organize t

ivory silk gown, adorned with understated diamond jewelry. Brendan personally walked to the elevator to take her cashmer

"Thank you so much for hosting us on such short notice. Brendan told

ight reserve for a distant, poor relative or an accommodating housekeeper. Bren

at all," I replied smoothly. "Dinner is serve

ra sat directly to his right, and Jaxon was placed in a booster seat between them. The other four guests were all prominent f

ed pieces and considerately handed Aurora a linen napkin before she even

t dealer in her fifties, glanc

ouched your wine or your sal

ixed on Jaxon's plate. He offered no explanation

week," I offered a polite, faint smile. "Please,

ting me at the end of the table-it didn't matt

and handed Jaxon a small plush bear. Jaxon climbe

" the little boy c

ving room fel

eyes tender and shimmering with tears. Brendan looked down at the two

ed on the commercial faucet, and rinsed a glass three times

k to me and said, "Let's finalize the divorce paperwork next week. Aurora is moving

odd

Jackie: Buyer signed. Funds hi

odbye to Aurora, but he glanced back at me,

screen and gav

Brendan walked back, pausin

en very qu

t a bad

something, before finally dropping a sentence: "Keep it

allway, I almost

his. By the time the money hit my account,