dow, watching the moon cast long shadows across the Sterling estate.

rated. A message from an unknown n

owled

f was rumored to be. Chloe found it strangely reassur

the same number

room to ensure Francisco's snores would not

very air. It was devoid of warmth, a precisely calibrated instrument of business. "Damon Beaumon

game, either. "Mr. Beaumont, I agree to the alliance. The spec

tion, but a moment of assessment. Then, a low sou

be in New York next week. My

ne wen

through her anger. Damon Beaumont was direct. He wo

there, seated beside Francisco, playing the part of the lady of the manor with a nauseat

th manufactured concern. "Leo missed you so much last n

offee, looked up. She smiled, a bright, so

conversational. "Managing such a large project must be exhausting, K

isco shifted uncomfortably in his chair, opening his mo

ire demeanor changed. He sat up straighter, his expression becoming one of deep res

iosity in her eyes. Whoever was on tha

mask of complicated emotions. He

ounced to the room, though his words were d

feigning casual interest.

as if steeling himself. "It's

allowing a flicker of well-feigned confusion to cross her face. "Beaumont? Th

elaxed slightly, his suspicion allayed. He clearly sa

t the next phase of her plan into motion. She

eedy, slightly spoiled wife. "I'm in such a state. I simply can't decide w

's cartoons and Kasey's cooing voice from downstairs could be faintly, but clearly, heard in

"The... the white Chanel is fine, Chloe. It al

athy laugh. A laugh that

to glacial. "A bit too symbolic for a gala, don't you th

ure the scene: Francisco frozen at his desk, Kasey standing

g, darling. But you really should do something about the soundproofing in your office.

A verbal bomb dropp

, a grimly satisfied look on her face as

Let them wonder