when the doorbell rang. The sound ech

he table, reading a financi

tt breezed in. She was followed by thre

ed, her voice breathless.

the paper. "W

gh her lashes. "My apartment... a pipe burst.

f her toast. It tas

ere," Julian sa

c smile plastered on her face. "Avery, you d

kept her eyes on her plate.

tened. "Put her i

the china. The East Suite was her painting studio. I

udio," the butler

Avery, waiting for a reaction. Any reaction. "It has the best light

sing in her throat. Sh

tting down in the chair to Julian's right.

his report. "It's laziness. Which reminds me-I've p

That's my project. I've wo

brought in the K&L consulting team to oversee the finalization. They are the best in the world. They w

be kind. He was stripping her of her purpose.

stood up, her hand flying to her mouth. She rushed out of the room,

er knuckles white. She dry-heaved

ard fo

voice said fro

was leaning against t

for attention," Scarlett whis

looked at Scarlett in the mirror. "Enjoy the studio,

. "You think you're clever. But you're

are you going to enjoy the Jacuzzi in that suite? You always seem so... terrif

Before she could respond, Ju

to her chest. "I was just checking on her,

He placed a hand on Scarlet

er," he warned. "Go upstairs. I do