he confrontation had left a bitter taste in my mouth. I was sitting in

o people had a k

walked in, followed by my father an

h a critical eye. "A bit minimalist for my taste, but we can fix that. Ric

at are you doing here?

a dismissive wave of her hand. "We've decided to move in. A successful man like yo

ward the guest wing as

e called over her shoulder. "The master suite i

a deep breath, clenching my fists until my knuckles were

ug. "That partner of yours, Olivia. She's a little too ambitious, don't you think? A wo

id, my voice da

a few of my friends that Kevin will be taking over as the new COO of Ph

to impress his new bride's wealthy family. An affair I paid for. It cost me nearly a quarter of a million d

a small loan to buy food, she had laughed. "Sorry, Ethan," she'd said. "W

unced, strolling back into the kitchen. "Director of St

ty of it all. They weren't just leeches; they wer

e living room, trotted over and nudged my hand, sensing

ght and cheerful. "You see those people? They h

pounds of muscle and fur who loved nothing more than a game of chas

imb onto a kitchen counter. Kevin, the bravest

a cried, batting at Buddy's fr

st the counter and finally letting myself smile. "And

tripping over each other in their haste. Buddy stood at the open door