pped, but the night air over

lit jewelry studio in SoHo. The only light in the room came f

tion nearly tearing the thick parchment. She let out a frust

monds grow on trees and goldsmiths are magicians. This isn't a business proposal; it's a declaration of his

ed into the studio carrying a ste

he desk. "Cailin, you need to take a break. You've

"Thanks, Paige." She picked up the mug, taking a sip of the bitte

zzing sound echoed th

wall. "The downstairs d

the digital wall clock. It read 10

ressed the intercom but

ice came through the crack

stomach. She froze completely, her finger

speak. She nodded sharply to Paige,

reetly grabbed her coat, exiting through the

loudly on the wooden stairs lead

g a damp trench coat, his usually perfectly styled

he was gripping a rolled-up magazine so

, usually so warm and kind, were filled with

down flat on her drafting ta

-Sloan merger. Below it was a grainy, paparazzi photo of Cailin walking out

cracked on the last word. "Is the ne

eeing her face next to Kane's in pri

ack. She crossed her arms defensively ov

s. She spoke softly, but her vo

d physically struck him across t

just secured the funding for my new film. The studio gave me a massive advance. It's not enough to fix e

ng of guilt pierce her chest. But

erself to be cruel to save him. S

e devoid of hope. "Kane and I have already lega

last remaining spark of hope drained ins

inst the edge of the drafting table. He

she would marry break down in front of her, feeling t