the ride back to the city, but Ell

some pseudo-scientific report about their "bio-resonanc

her ears. The full and unwavering

aze, murmuring a thank you to the driver. As she walk

rge men in cheap black suits were standing directly in fro

stepping forward to block her path. "Your mother sent us. She'd like

her hand instinctively going for her phone. Sh

g. The screen

r voice tight. "

f and embarrassing us! Preston is willing to forgive you if you come

something placating. They were together. They had formed an

blocking her door, then back at the elevator. There

ve, and the men m

stairwell. They moved with silent, swift efficiency, placing themselves between Elliana and her mother's hi

lobby button, and descended. The Marshall men flanked her, but the

ley was still there, idling at the curb, its engine a low whisper. As she

upstairs," he said. "I believe Miss

he building. Of course-Hayes had been watching through his men o

e didn't argue. This was

to the car. She leaned down to the open wind

y nodded. "

hing in the world. Her mother and Preston had burned her last bridge. The

the number from Hayes's business c

es, the decision crys

aid, her voice clear and steady