ily

ce clipped and impatient. "What is it, Cec

ere's a matter regarding our inter-company agreemen

nt before continuing. "Clause ele

heard his sharp intake of brea

dred-thousand-dollar piece of non-essential jewelry," I continued, my voice as calm as if I were discussing the weather. "How do

had walked right into my trap, blinded by ar

a financial journalist. They might start to question the stability of the Sterling Group

came, was a low, furious

simply fulfilling my duty as your mate and Luna. I'm protecti

etrayal. I kept it clean, professional, and cold.

demand was crystal clear. Th

e snarled, his disbelief evident. He

one that Dalton Pharmaceuticals has invested millions i

ny screaming match could have. He was used to a version of me that

word sharp with represse

without a

bedside table, a thin, cold sm

en

esk, the sound making my Beta, Blake, jump. The board me

ped, and ended the call wit

Cecily. How dare she? She had used my o

in screeching as I tore out of the parking garage. The entire way, he

ite, preening in front of a mirror. The diamond bracelet was on

mile on her face. "Caden, darling, you

said. My voice

. "What? What are

d, my patience snapping.

n filled with tears. It was always

ng the room. "It's Cecily. She's making

s always her! She's just jealous! She can't st

cracking through the room. "This is bigger than your feelings! T

o her so harshly. The first time I had ev

led with the clasp on the bracelet, her hands shaking. She finally got it off and threw it

a long moment, the back of my neck itching with frustration. I raked my

ily

here was a quiet knock

n named David, entered. He avoided my

velvet-lined Graff b

is to you," he said stiffly. "He

ightly and left as q

the box. My

t the river of diamonds nestled inside. They

nightstand. I tossed the box inside, where it landed with a dull thud

another pi