's private study slammed shut, t

lly into her flesh. He shoved her into the center of the room. Corinn

ps. His face was mottled red, the veins in his neck bulging agains

her posture rigid. She looked down at her arm, then slowly up

, there are three hundred guests and thirty reporters outside that door. You hav

spen's other arm. "Aspen, how could you? We raised

of Corinne's grasp. The sudden move

ng you toss me to a man you call a cripple so your precious Sloane can

ws. The realization dawned on them-Aspen h

He pulled it out with trembling hands. The screen was lit up wi

Hogan Group were already plummeting. A twenty percen

lumped, and he leaned heavily against the mahog

voice hoarse. "Fine. You get the fifteen million. And

f a smile. "A wise business decision

move, a deafening c

ently kicked open, the wood sp

y. Their faces were carved from granite, their eyes scanning the room for t

the terrified Hogan parents. He walked straig

oth but carrying an undeniable weight.

rward, his fists clenched. "What is the meaning of this

Fitzpatrick insists. To prevent any... accidents... your security

is on the word accidents

Fitzpatrick family had already moved their pieces. He had lost all leverage. H

t Elias. "Than

. "Have my luggage brought to the front door in ten minutes.

t upstairs, she might find more "secrets" to expose

e two bodyguards flanked Aspen, fo

room. The guests parted like the Red Sea, staring in stunned silence

ning down her face in black streaks, glaring at Aspen with

massive front doors of the estate. The cool night air hit her

e stone steps, the

the shadows of the backseat. He exten

mall hand disappearing into his grip. His ski

in the quiet, leather-scented darkness, l