the press confer

the navy blue dress that had made her look every bit the heiress the world now

her hand. "You were brilliant, darling. Co

you. I just... wanted them to

nion is already shifting in our favor. And the Quinns? They're being investigated fo

on't need them in jail. I just want them

s said, "can

-

the Lockwood estate. The room was vast-larger than the entire first floor o

't erase the ac

ity, removing her earrings sl

still the girl who had lived in the shadows, made herself

il

A message from a

because of the Lockwoods? You d

ht. Was it Jenna? D

message

o deep. Some secrets st

lse quickening. Then she deleted

t be

-

study-a place lined with old books, global maps

ack of folders before her. "You're not just a Lockwood in name.

cial reports, business projections, in

ady," s

ard meeting next week. Some of the executives won't like

w. "The one who wanted

aid. "But reckless. And now that you're

ready f

st slightly. "I b

-

ra entered the boardr

m fell

, all powerful in their own right. At the head of the tab

Loc

d a smirk that didn't reach his mouth. He

he prodigal daughter retur

linching. "Thanks. I hear you'

kled under their breath.

d his throat.

e took notes, observed who leaned toward Adam, who watched her wi

ised a question-clear, sharp, and well-infor

let Clara ease into things. Finance is a bit ad

expansion cost us more than it returned, and you used discretiona

ession turn

went sile

a brow. "Let h

sweetly. "Tha

-

walked through the lobby

ur point," h

ting started,

ny was supposed to be mine. You're not the

. "Then I guess we

-

nd an envelope slip

grainy, black-and-w

ba

e

an Clara didn't recognize. Som

te, no sender.

d at it for

d been part

but it was also awakening sec

t, the more dangerous

-