a's

nd narrowly avoided a collision with a man carrying a tray of wine glasses worth more than my entire ward

Blackwoo

I'd seen in newspapers or online articles. Damien Blackwood wasn't just polished and powerfu

looke

even if he didn't say

d me more th

ng in me-if he suspected-

tract attention. Not be

ing napkins, I heard two older staff member

words," asked the heavier wom

t she came in through a

oesn't belong here. You see the way Mr. Da

rs froze

retending not to hear,

second woman continued. "They al

ng myself to keep fol

I wasn't here to prove anyone w

certain of before she died-that Dominic Blackwood, billionaire

man who'd passed me in the hallway l

hed at the ab

ng funny about the

" came a sharp

rtled. Mrs.

family will be dining on the terrace tonight. You're to assist Claire with th

am," I sa

o confuse good treatment from those in power with actual

leaving behind her lavender perf

ne as the sun sank into the surrounding hills. Gold and lavender skies stretched

ed was Dominic's wife. A few others-busine

ing table, she caught my side. She wh

read. I didn't flinch when Damien spoke to the woman beside him, his voice deep and c

I fe

ht of hi

s seeking answers to an

m the moment I

myself breathe. Claire joined me a few minut

ed," she sa

rel

erious. "Word of advice? Don't

d. "I'm

Damien Blackwood starts noticing

ed long after sh

n to notice me. I just need

In the tension between walls. In the silence that

hiding s

would

what it