's face transformed. The tears vanished, replaced b

e wonderful!" she gushed

c gratitude. "Mia, I knew you'd come through. Mr. Sykes is a litt

e hypocrisy was suffocating. She stared at their smili

ll bedroom, shutting the door firmly behind her. T

filled with old college posters and worn-

on the floor, finally letting the tears she'd held back f

the black card from her pocket. Her fingers traced t

ope. Why would this man, a complete stranger from a

e alternative was marrying Sykes.

aking as she di

e a calm, professional ma

throat. "Hello, I'm trying t

pause. "May I as

s. Last night, at the hotel downtown..."

as cool and unruffled as before. "I understand, Ms. Hayes. This is Corbin Brandt, Mr. Carl

ed at her, but she forged ahead. "I... I'm in some

was begging a stranger to clean u

dn't change. "Wh

s," she whispered, the number

as it. He was going to

se hold." Soft instrume

as an agony of suspense. Her pal

Carlisle has agreed to meet with you. He mentioned that he was expecting your

uldn't be this easy. "Okay...

r mind reeling.

time. 10 a.m. Sh

door. Deneen and Sean were waiting in

I have to go out. If Mr. Sykes calls, you tell him I expect

ook, but they nodded eagerly, too reli

and walked out of the apartment, leav

an appointment that