aptop. The screen cast a pale, ghoulish light on his face. The wire transfer conf

quidated a significant portion of his non-essential stock portfo

eeling thin and hollow. An investment in peace. An inves

Grateful. She would see the magnitude of his "apology" and come back to him, the sweet, compl

e authorized the transfer. Th

pping a cup of black coffee. She was dressed in a simple white blouse and

n the table, buzzed softly.

has received a wire tra

id, her movements unhurried as she lifted the porcelain cup to her lips. The money was a

hina and Mason. Seraphina, looking refreshed and smug, sat

ist so the diamond tennis bracelet she wore caught the m

ce a breathy whisper. "Julian gave it to me

o her coffee. "It's nice," she said, her tone flat

. Her attempt at provocatio

to his tired face. He walked directly to Chloe's side, leaning

mured, his voice proprietary,

She tilted her head away, a subtle but c

e gushing gratitude? The tearful reconciliation? Julian's forced smile f

s. She couldn't hear what was said, but she could see Chloe's coldn

suddenly loud and cheerful. "When you're finished, Daddy

" her eyes shooting a look of p

pkin on the table and began to rise. "If you'll

sperately trying to stitch together the fr

, her voice polite but

m for argument. It hung in the air,

cked up the small, elegant bottle of soy sauce from the center of the table. With a sly look a

ce shot through the air, aimed di

n she had been twenty-four hour

aned back in her chair, sim

loor and the leg of the table. A few dark brown drop

shock. Julian stared, dumbf

e them away. She lifted her head, her gaze sweeping over the three of them-the snivel

olerance-it was all gone. In its place was a raw, unfiltered fury,