hile managing her own studio-a venture she had started during her junior ye

elentless. Someone clearly wanted her out of Ulares.

ing herself to wear her usual professional attire, opting instead for a casual outfi

io, her receptionist hesita

nervously. "We tried to stop her, but... she's hol

Vicki Brooks, was difficult to deal with. "It'

ionist nodded and re

signed the interior herself, favoring a minimalist elegance that radiated sophis

ki was in her forties. His arrival had nearly cost both their li

r mother. Vicki's expression softened as she gentl

i used to be-a gentle, understanding wife and

ther was gone. Now, Vicki

pushed the feeling aside a

Nyla's assistant quickly brought over a cup of coffee and slipped away without a word. Pi

re?" she asked,

"You're going out dressed like that? Don't you realize you're rep

calm, measured voice, "My last name is Green

. Lowering her voice, she continued, "Ryland has arranged a date for you tomorrow at Delight Restaurant. You'll be meeting t

e second son of the Fowler family had recently been released f

replied dismissively, ta

o school or your studio yesterday. And you didn't co

pades and partying were the reason Vicki had stor

ng off in her arms, she'd ha

. Her expression darkened. "What's that on your neck?" she hissed. "

t Vicki's glare with calm indifference. Her mother still looke

You haven't cared about me in years, so why p