ving room, clutching the glass of water. The cold condensation bea

quiet rustle, completely ignoring her presence. His composure was a stark contrast to the chaotic storm raging

Relief washed over Faye. It had to be t

wasn't a young assistant in a cri

ron Hayes, with her br

ok in the bare legs, the ridiculously oversized man's s

evidently seen Sharon's car pull up and quickly re-entered the ho

look of profound, loving concern. "Oh, my poor baby!" she cried, rushing

r, her body shaking with manufactured sobs. "Aunt Sharon," she cried, her voice

glared at her own daughter. "Faye Hayes! What is the meaning of this? Hav

ing in her stomach. No questions. No "what happened?" Ju

nage self-righteousness. "Seriously, Faye? You're bein

r taste in her mouth. "They're th

of undress, her lips curled in disgust. "And look at you! W

earing m

low, cut through the room

haron and Connor stared at him

p, simmering rage. But she didn't dare direct it at Julian. He was a Carlisle. Inst

jewelry box. Faye recognized it instantly. It was the diamond necklac

heart leaped. Maybe her mother remem

xpression melting back into one of tender sympathy. She opene

asp around Penelope's neck. "Let this be my apology on Faye's b

culously gone. She looked over Sharon's shoulder at Faye, a

was a deeper, more fundamental betrayal. Her birthday gift. Her mother's love, qua

lope, murmuring comforting words. She was an outsider

But his eyes were fixed on Faye, noting the way the color drained from h

pain was too deep for tears. The part of her that had always, foolis

ripping with condescension. "Mom is be

r eyes was gone, replaced by something else

of love she held for her