wning of the abandoned convenience store. The oversized hoodie swallowed

ine black Range Rover pulled up to the curb. The heavy tires

window rolle

gers, wrapped around the steering wheel, wore a Patek

ud on her jeans and the cheap fabric of her hoodi

the central unlock button. The heavy clunk echoed in th

ch, acting terrified of his presence. She grabbed th

he sat stiffly on the edge of the seat, her dirty hands gri

in the rearview mirror. He scoffed.

eather seat hard. She let out a short gasp and immediately slappe

oice was flat and cruel. "When we get to

ait for her

ard family insists on honoring that ancient marriage con

id the absolute mockery in her green eyes. She quickly proc

" Braden warned, his voice dropping an octave. "Sh

cked up a slight spike in Braden's heart rate. His protecti

ime to t

. She wrapped her arms around her head and le

ened. He glared at

cal nonsense right

She dug her fingernails so hard into her own arms that it

sed under his breath. He yanked the steering wheel hard, pulling the SUV to

t his mouth, Anne sl

yes were wide, bloodshot, and fill

embarrassment. He was looking at a girl who had lived in poverty and had likely been severely abused. It reminded him of a hostile takeover years ago, where he had watched

ned back around and hit the g

changed. The sudden accelerations sto

mouth twitched upward in the shadows. Phase

Long Island. The cramped city streets gave way

camera scanned the license plate. The gates swung open, re

sole. "Have the staff ready at the

ne in the mirro

dered. "The Montoyas do

. But as she looked at the massive stone mansion through the

s turned. Anne's movements were terrifyingly swift. She snatched a black, custom-tailored men's dress shirt and a manila M&A f

ng on the marble steps. Anne took a slow