e between them. Her gaze was sharp, her voice tigh

this end,

genuine surprise crossed his features

the mahogany dresser. It landed with a sharp, pla

f his trousers. The physical distance was a statement. Hi

ed the distance he had just created, her voice rising. "When will it be the right time

y family is in the middle of a major asset restructu

ke the one plastered all over Wincroft's Whisper? The one about

he temperature in the room dropped ten degrees. "Don't br

an-it was a physical blow. It felt like a fist slamm

ed the words out. "Why? Is it because she's one of you? Is it because my father is just a profe

he force of it made her wince. "Don't be ridiculous," he bit out, his f

d back, putting a safe distance between them. Tears blurred her vision. "I don't u

ken accusations. He ran a hand through his perfectly styled hair

when the phone on the dresser began to vibrate again. It was a f

. He tried to hide it, but s

nds. Finally, with a curse under his

leaking from the earpiece. While the exact words were muffled, the sh

shielding the phone with his hand as he walke

of him, so powerful and controlled, now hunched over, placating the

few words, spoken i

down. I'm com

lyn's veins turn

as ashen. He didn't even look at her. He just

s path. "Clemente. Gi

rugging on the jacket. "A frie

e hard. "Is it the 'person who has n

yes were filled with an exhaustion so profound it made him a stranger.

ason

ough the last thread of her dignity. Sh

or, paused for a fraction of a second. "I'm sorry," h

ut, the sound booming thr

of her body. She slowly walked to the console table and looked at

re he'd tossed it. Without a backward glance, she walked out of the opule