ch, Connecticut, wasn't just

rpets, leading to a mansion that looked

heir best clothes, felt like t

ront door. He was tall, impeccably dressed,

me. And you must be the Millers. Eleanor

cticed. Alex shook his h

rne," Al

gaze steady. Mary o

floors, towering ceilings, art that probably

were waiting in a

about Alex's age, with a poised, almost regal bear

soft. Her eyes, though, held a hint

pride in his voice as he indicated a young man slou

"Sup," he mumbled, then

iate dislike for h

o celebrate your arrival, Alex, and to forma

ber brought in two la

ittle something she's been wanti

dbag, the kind Alex had only seen in magazines. Ol

plainer box. "And for you, Alex. A litt

card. To a mid-range department st

in value was gl

ift card, then at Ri

g. She just tucked the

she said, h

ed a quick, almost i

t rooms that were larger than their entire living r

rival, the mansion, the "

note of disbelief in his voice. "Let me gu

Alex confirmed. "Looked

d of typing. Sam's family was in tech, new money

think it is, it's worth upwards of twenty grand. Y

urprised. "Fi

family contact last year. Richard Thorne is known for very specific, very high-end gift purchases f

r window at the perfectly sculpted