ss-and-steel residential tower on the Upper East Side. In the ba

layed on a loop, each time leaving a cold, hollow feeling in his stomach. He didn't understand it. He had defended her. He had fir

mask, and strode into the building. He didn't need to be announced. Th

ed silk robe, a hopeful, seductive smile on her

ck, pressing her body against hi

et, unsatisfying smack. He gently but firmly disentangled himself from her e

ointment in her eyes, but she recovered quickly. "Come in

on the coffee table next to two champagne flutes and

ct for the LVMH collaboration," he said, his voice flat. "My legal team fast-tracked it. It's

making deal. She wrapped her arms around his waist, pressing her cheek aga

tness of her perfume, and all he could see was Arden's pale, defiant f

gain, more firmly this time. "I have a

, and they b

least favorite of her weapons, began to

lked out of the apartment without a backward glance, leaving her standing amidst

felt no satisfaction. Only a

-

y, Arden sat in the dark. The only light came from a single green lamp on the

photograph-a picture of her and Julian in Aspen, a rare moment of forced civility

. "Ma'am?" It was Brenda. "I'

pear into the shredder's teeth. "I'm not hungry, Brenda," she cal

steps re

pted external hard drive. She plugged it into a sleek, black laptop

on the message from her lawyer. The final

the credenza hummed to life, spitting

of assets. It was a short section. She was waiving her right to everything. The houses, the cars, the art, the stock portfolios. She

her face. It was a smile of

gned her name on the final page. Arden Price. Not Sterling. The s

a stick of dark red sealing wax and an old-fashioned brass seal bearing a simple, elegant 'P'. She lit the wax, let

as d

ow, looking out into the inky blackness of the n

e light cut through the darkness,

door s

n was

ck to the desk and picked up the envelope.

foyer, her steps measured and calm. She started down the

He looked up, and his eyes met hers. He saw her on the stair