ad seep into her as he

s unnerving, and with each step he too

owing a flood of bodyguards in black uniforms to pour in. They

and spoke with a tone of regret. "Mrs. Powell, our apologies for the

ng, the weight of his years doing nothing to diminish his aura. Upon laying e

. I've summoned a doctor to ensure your well

th a hint of weariness, "There are ju

will be found and punished for wh

could have on the reputation of the Powell G

nfirmed Selena's injuries were superficial.

fatigue overtook Selena, pu

up until it was

ed her ears, soon followed by the sof

ing aroma of polished wood, offs

epth of emotion, a sentiment quick

the light, greeting him with a flattering

. She remained still, feigning

ess dip behind her, followed by a

na to involuntarily furrow her brow. Instin

used only briefly before ya

ury throbbed sharply, whitening

and resentment she'd been ha

hrust out her arm,

e seized her by the shoulder, drew he

father summon me home to see you. Are we pl

n "again" wasn

his voice, a disdain for what

ipulated Joshua into for

was employing the same

ises and her heartache were hidden. She clen

n a smile. "If my tactics bring you bac

u've got enough guts this time to admit that you're schemin

erself at a lo

d hurt. The trap, the scheme, it all stemmed from the botched deal. Sh

gnorance of the fact tha

hing out to him, only

r to be gone so as to make roo

ded with a restrained tone, "I'll add

ake amends in other ways." All the while, his intention