a's

ed a cab and slid inside, telling the driver my destination as I settled into the seat, resting my head against the headrest. I shut my eyes, letting out a deep

stage 2 diabetes. It hit me hard, the weight of it all. And still, there was no end in sight. I needed to work harde

the cool evening air hitting my skin. I walked briskly toward the entrance of the

table seven. I grabbed the tray, balancing it carefully, and made my way over. But

Blackwood and his personal assistant, Harper. Of all t

r the drink to set it down. But just as I did, the glass slipp

trying to bend down to clean it up,

ggling?" he asked, his vo

making ends meet and working every shift I could? Instead, I gave a nervous laugh, brushi

. "I'm amazed by how hardworking you are," he said, h

eeds me," I explained, my voice a little quieter than I intended. The words sli

silently, a faint, curious glint in his eyes. I could fee

d said, his voice filled with unexpected sincerity. "Take c

efully set the new drink down on the table.

in walked none other than Mr. Preston. He caught sight of Mr. B

ding toward the table. "Mr. Blackwoo

tension shift in the room. I gave the gentlemen a polite nod

in, let alone so soon after our strange encounter in his office. But I didn't have time to dwell on it. My focu

that stayed with me, lingering like an unanswered question. Why couldn't

Dam

e shifted instantly when he joined us, his usual warm smile on his face. I returned a

ingering on the spilled drink before looking up at me.

, intrigued despite

trying to make ends meet. Doing several jobs to take care of her mom. She

a difficult situation. Harper, who'd been standing silently at Preston's side, gave me a look of sym

nto my jacket pocket and pulled out a wad of cash. I

diately, his eyes narrowi

irritation creeping up. "In case she as

moment, then nodded slowly, his

ing about the look in his eyes told me he wasn't going to let this go easily.

trying to change the subject. He raised the glass in

t there was something about Emma's struggle that made me uneasy. I didn't know her, not really, but somethin

rper. Enjoy

g a hand. "Enjoy your nigh

till on me. He shot me a look that was more curious than anything e

Emma's situation-whatever it was-wasn't my problem. She was just a delivery gi