screen. The notification g

ICIENT

ad likely just canceled the auto-payment. She had t

calendar reminder: Research Grant A

t that data, the grant was a fantasy. Years of secret work, of moonlighting as the undergroun

the Rust Belt. She had no safety net, no family to call. She had clawed her way to New York,

as tr

itting perfectly still, sippin

s wealthy, if his suit and the earli

te thought slamm

ce. It was a strategic cal

of the table. Her k

nce stretched. The man, Colton, made no move to

shop. He scanned the room, his eyes landing on Colton, th

, his voice low and profess

turned his head in Clarice's direction. "Ste

od that was also a clinic

chill. They kne

le and slid it in front of her. "Mr. Bentley was impres

pened the folder. The top page was a

POSAL & CONT

ll living expenses covered, and a clear list of duties, primarily a

onto the dark lenses of Colton's glasses. Her mind

e, her hands trembling

y

ely a smile, but it changed his

I find the process tedious. You, on the other hand, are not an heiress. You are... an interrupt

clearly done a thorough ba

visible earpiece crackled wi

but works a low-level admin job. No debt, except for a recently bounced rent check. Clea

inger against the c

aid I'm a bad p

in her mind. She typed her respons

erson is better th

mile widen

said. "I have a bad temper. And

her own resolve hardening.

have a lot of patience. And

odded on

ea

at the folder, then at him.

toward the door with his head. "S

e going?" Cl

on said. "Before

she stood up. Sterling held t

s wheelchair as Sterling

rb. Sterling was already on the phone, prin

next to a stranger's wheelchair, unaware sh