ficent ballroom. Emma stood next to Cross in a white designer gown that felt more l

k, Cross muttered, "You're Mrs. Cross now," between tight teeth. She was cons

ghtly as she said, "This smile

ed with hawk-like focus, her displeasure barely hidden below a façade of politeness. During the rehears

the sea of faces. The woman raised her champagne glass in a mock salute, her flawlessly manicur

kiss the bride," t

tainty? Regret? But then his mask slipped back into place as he leaned in. The kiss was brief, practiced, a performanc

first dance, accepting compliments from guests she'd never see again. All the while, her thoughts raced with questions about what Vanessa was intending.

m like static electricity. Emma kicked off her shoes as the elevator do

she shouted, turning to face him. The city lights twinkled through the

is composure never cracking. "Because control is bet

u tell yourself that to defend this absurdity?

elming as he took a step closer. "A method to save your father

h about why I do what I do. Something is being concealed by you. This goe

impse of a weakness in his flawless exterior. However, t

at has already gone viral on social media. "The truth behind Cross Industries

" Cross snarled as

on camera via what looked to be a restaurant window to open the video. She recogn

impossible," she s

realized it was the Cross Industries boardroom on the day they had made their

ould divulge much more: "The whole expose will be released tomorrow at noon. Th

phone clattered. She's playing

into his face. "What exactly did you say

on my computer screen that day. Documents that could destr

? What aren't y

lf: "Tick tock, lovebirds. What's the value of your silence? If you don't meet me at midnight, the world will

s face lose all

sisted. "If we're in this marriage togethe

him an unexpectedly vulnerable appearance. "If I tell you

inger. "The moment I said 'I do,' I bec

e he could finish. As both of their phones died at the same tim

levator ding thr

oor," instead. "No one should be abl

rs slid open wit

e no lon