oor-to-ceiling window and the war

raised a trembling hand, hailing a yell

lt cold against her thighs. She mechanically re

outside the window. Cassidy stared at her own reflection

ious research position she had abandoned seven years ago, all to marry

ry sharp edge of her personality, hiding her brilliance jus

lent wave of

, her stomach convulsing as she fought

, her fingers clumsy, and stepped out onto the pavement. Her legs felt

r. Cassidy took a deep, shuddering breath, f

she walked straight toward the massive glass

le was a gigantic bouquet of

nt ordered every year like clockwork. Completely

d the thick, expensive wrappin

e paper and drove deep into her index finger. A

cal pain was nothing compared to t

the blood, and yanked the entire ma

oved the expensive, perfect roses d

ne marble floor, looking exactly like the shredded, w

room. She stood in front of the vanity mirror

and unclasped the heavy diamond neckl

op drawer. The diamonds hit the woo

ed the rows of designer gowns, and dragged out an ol

pairs of jeans, plain sweaters, and an old, hea

m that bore the invisible pri

e shut, she pulled out her phone

e came through, thick and groggy wi

" Cassidy said. Her voi

ilence on the other end. The

ere are you?"

lied, staring at the empty space in

p and professional now. "I'm calling the most ruthless d

handle of the black suitcase and walked out