ldish color that felt like a mockery in the cold, marble-and-glass expanse of the penthouse. M

m, a low murmur of conversation punctuated by Chloe's

t my side. "Ms. Vance, welcome back. I trust you are feeling b

er, a guest who had o

at the long table, a feast spread out before them. They lo

one neutral. "You're back. Si

on. A casual acknowledgment that

e risotto, things I used to love-made my nausea surge. I took a small sip

eyes narrowed. "Eat som

t it, the dry crumbs catching in my throat. Every bite

bomb. He did it casually,

will be taking the master suite. Your new ro

ng the city, the room where I had painted, slept, and

a year to be "allowed" to move my things into t

ld feel the baby inside me, a tiny, secret anchor

passed. My co

e window faced a brick wall. It was a clear, unspoken st

arden. And there they were. Julian and Chloe, walking hand-in-hand among the r

wave of dizziness washed ove

ang. It wa

r voice sharp with anger. "Are you okay? And what's t

I whispered, the word

the other end of the line. Then

N

onight. And you have to get rid of it. That baby is a chai

bbed. "I don't

ng reason, mine full of fear and confusion.

d up, my legs shaking, an

y. He was looking at a file,

, my voice tremblin

could say another word, Chloe appeared in the d

of innocence. But when she looked at

nted to thank you for all your help today." She ran a hand down the silk of the rob

sper only I could hear. "Everything that was yours wi

wing, malicious glint in them. "Are you hidi

e. She knew. O

urned to leave, to escape her suffocating presence.

," she taunted,

ing my arm away.

idened in fake alarm. She let out a small, theatrical gasp. And th

tom, letting out a pained cry.

nderous mask of fury. He knelt by Chl

eyes filled with a hatre

h," he snarled. "