day afternoon, the third nann

lyle. Your daughter is

nce Chloe left, his once orderly life had crumbled. Small thin

ced a cup of black coffee on his table

one." He rubbed his temples. "Ch

tter that she's gone. Anyway, she ne

your opinion," J

Metropolitan Museum of Art's charity auction is tonight. Stel

he driver's side and saw the beautifully presente

eful face, he felt a rare pan

dressing room, sorting through her cards. She wore a sharply tailored black tuxedo, h

e main sponsor specifically asked you to oversee the fina

o check the light signals an

y-" she l

ed glasses, a fami

He smiled. "Lon

zed. "Nathaniel? N

inar, was introverted, and always buried herself in her books, n

u the

lways felt you would eventually come here. You're the be

"I've forgotten what it

and gently kissed her knuckles. "Good luck with th

and respectful-a level of respect

d with Stella. Carla, in a shimmering gown, followed behind, taking Julian's coa

please Stella, pointed to a diamon

will buy it for you." Just then, the announcement of

whispers of the crowd like a familiar symphony. Her h

d. A spotlight s

in was dr

ed into the light. Her calm

she sa

middle of t

ack coffee cup in his hand tilted, spilling coffee onto the

eyes