n he saw on Bethany's face was painfully fragil

e emptiness of someone

ach maneuvered a U-turn, smoothly kee

n's gaze never left the faint out

houlders shivering; she looked like she w

ame escaped Jonathan's l

n could strip away every trace of life fr

an upscale villa community, sto

ed his driver to halt a

e outside the grand front door, her head t

vastation etched into her posture

ty, she finally moved forward,

Jonathan spoke, his voice d

Mr. Ta

aylor Group is halting every partnership with Wilson Gr

arp breath. "But Mr. Taylor, we've already

a chance to argue. "And by sunrise, I want every de

erst

.

e living room and flicked on the lights, flood

die. He must still be li

hany slipped off her shoes and head

always keeping her distance out of respe

her respect felt l

assword she could think of-even her own birthda

y's lips. Clearly, Brodie had been gua

ed on a compact safe tucked in the corner. Maybe t

ng her next move, her phone be

ticed Brodie's name flas

moment before answering, he

's voice carried that same soft warmth as always. But the

ust forgot," Betha

ick up on the edge in her voice. "Is something wrong?

m going to bed," Bethany said

need to stay up for me," Brodie murmured gently. "Make sure to ask the maid for so

as she listened to his e

't he the reason for th

ack the word, voice ic

nother second of Brodi

her bone marrow, Bethany had finally re

ish and blinded by lo

m everything that was hers and see that

even kicking off his shoes, he barreled insid

very word dripping with fake regret. "The company ran into a mess yesterday. I was tied

Her gaze slid down and landed on the crisp white collar of hi

tick for a moment, her mind nearly conjuri

r stomach and making her feel like she might be sick.

from company? More like a mistr

nausea, Bethany slippe

flashed him a perfect, practiced smile. "You must be exhaust

ught you something." Brodie hande

Inside lay a sparkling diamond n

s with cool detachment. The s

was thrilled. "Do you like it? I picked it out ju

nd gratitude. "Is that so? How thoughtful of you, darling... Even with

hair a gentle tousle. "As long as it makes you happy

d upstairs, Bethany's ch

e he got enough time to get ready for th

ning water from the bathroom filled the room. Brodie's shirt lay tossed across t

he nightstand. His phone rested

their wedding anniversary. Brodie had once claimed he'd

a j

he numbers and unl

and photos showed nothing-too cl

ne back when it buzzed in her han

not okay...

fingers we

cation flashed,

bleeding...

ou here.

age came f

he screen. Bethany's breath caug

ely naked, straddling Brodie in

es half-lidded with desire, and her

necklace, a perfect match for

Patek Philippe watch, was drap

ny's skin crawl was the b

-sized one she had picked out he

he décor, even the dog-eared b

nfirmed the a

rating her sanctuary, los

on her lip until

g sure to include the explicit photo,

ress inched forwa

es never lef

.. 5

er ears, the only soun

k of a lock. The sound of a door