ing and into the bright sunlight. She took

ngratulations, Ms. White. As o

with a smile. "I appreci

the curb. Julian got out. He was obvious

was the first time they had seen ea

makeup. She was radiant, a world away from the timid, careful woman he r

he didn't even recognize in himself. "You seem to be a

that as a good wish. Though, I'm more inclined to

sharp reply lef

bs. Why did you take them?" He couldn't stop himself

m with the prize money from my first design award. They were a gift from me, which m

er breezy, matter-of-fact explanation was like a needle, jabb

ulled up behind the Bentley. Orion H

took the file folder from her hand and

d. "Yes. It

familiarity between them, made Ju

e vaguely recognized the young man as someone who

hing and simply stood beside Chlo

en the two me

She turned to Orion. "Let's g

the word. He had always believed

to ask about her life before s

She and Orion walked towa

nd on the top of the doorframe to shield her head. It was a sma

never once done somethi

ife, and it sped past Julian's B

t fists at his sides. An unfamiliar emotion he refused to

I don't care how you do it. Get me everything on Orion Hay

d discard without a thought now had a new life, ne

g he had never valued, only to rea