them, a detached observer

pposed "new client meetings," she saw him gr

a boutique hotel kno

tears, just a hardening re

vening, he leaned in to kiss her, his clothes car

er head, offe

" she m

, his casual affecti

nd headed for the shower, obliviou

was a constant

eir life. She called her lawyers. She ca

Maxwell and Cassandra Rourke," she said, her voice firm. "M

ediate and professional.

ngs: removing his photos from

ers to freeze joint accounts, to begin the p

ronclad. Her actions were swift, precise

long, animated call, pacing the

the gala presentation... C

r triumph, using her

eft, complaining it was cold, then made himself an elab

absorption, was no longer surprisin

through a curated newsfeed when a photo appe

very public, very chic outdoor restaurant, lau

exec Cassandra Rourke looking cozy. Is there

he casual humiliation – it was a delibe

arp, pierced thro

t was filled with gifts Brandon had "given" her

th her money,

d them out, item by item

ne fireplace in the Napa estat

lames. The expensive leather hiss

painful but necessary

, the memories, the illusi

e Napa estate, finalizing gala de

constant presence, his hyper

e from afar, through the upda

ident, already celebrating

own life, observing, planni

text, sending a saccharine message about how "excited

ou shine, Evie! It's

g emoji. Annoyance, sharp

as almost impressive