owing a flood of bodyguards in black uniforms to pour in. They

and spoke with a tone of regret. "Mrs. Powell, our apologies for the

ng, the weight of his years doing nothing to diminish his aura. Upon laying e

. I've summoned a doctor to ensure your well

th a hint of weariness, "There are ju

will be found and punished for wh

could have on the reputation of the Powell G

nfirmed Selena's injuries were superficial.

fatigue overtook Selena, pu

up until it was

ed her ears, soon followed by the sof

ing aroma of polished wood, offs

epth of emotion, a sentiment quick

the light, greeting him with a flattering

. She remained still, feigning

ess dip behind her, followed by a

na to involuntarily furrow her brow. Instin

used only briefly before ya

ury throbbed sharply, whitening

and resentment she'd been ha

hrust out her arm,

e seized her by the shoulder, drew he

father summon me home to see you. Are we pl

n "again" wasn

his voice, a disdain for what

ipulated Joshua into for

was employing the same

ises and her heartache were hidden. She clen

n a smile. "If my tactics bring you bac

u've got enough guts this time to admit that you're schemin

erself at a lo

d hurt. The trap, the scheme, it all stemmed from the botched deal. Sh

gnorance of the fact tha

hing out to him, only

r to be gone so as to make roo

ded with a restrained tone, "I'll add

ake amends in other ways." All the while, his intention

s indifferent and

tion seemed like an ob

rlier phone conversation when she actually

ng them above her head. His voice was cold and

ed speaking, he drew

into tears. To stop herself from making any sound

r darker. He then grabbed her waist, pinned her down,

y, just like he always did. However, something about him seemed different to

er, "If you cause trouble for me again, I will make

assed out because she could no lon