n the office, the sprawling space silent and empty. She stood at the floor-to-ceiling window of her off

k circles under her eyes; she hadn't slept much either. She placed a thick

over five million dollars," Sophie reported, her voice clipped and professiona

ne item was a fresh slap in the face. "Go

n's actions constitute severe marital and wire fraud. With corroborating

ps. She didn't want a divorce. She want

chips of ice. "Effective immediately, I want you

level. Only you and I will have clearance. Cut off all physi

ghtly. "That will raise h

onage," Alanna said coolly. "Prepare a glossy, front-end-only report for him

tering him, turning him into the puppet C

cross the keyboard, altering the progress and parameters of a project codenamed "Phoenix." I

ime for the p

kdoors that only she knew how to fix. She would make Aiden believe that without her

into her office, looking refr

eep well?" he asked, his voice oozing

e, picking up a file from her desk. "I was looking o

tantly. He frowned. "Still? S

ned-to cross her face. "I need more time, Aiden. And

t, patting her shoulder. "Don't worry about the money.

ing wrong, felt nothing amiss, even as t

e look of pure scorn in her eyes. Hi

, inviting her and Aiden to attend their Annual Charity Gala the following wee

t up. A stage. T

and steady. "And please, do make sure you save a good seat for Mr. Grant