ner with a firm like Sterling Capital. Ethan had spent weeks on the pitch, the data, the present

out to leave, Chase, who had invite

tuffy. I know a much trendier s

diately agreed. "Oh, that sounds

servation at Per Se is confirmed. The client

," Tori said, her eyes pleading with him

t really have. They ended up at Chase's "trendy" spot – loud, crow

ave stuck to the original plan, Ethan. The acoustic

iations e

, standing beside Tori on the smal

front row, taki

ing speech about "syne

es landed on Ethan. "Except for Miller here. Look at hi

ough the room. Ethan

, should have more pride. Here, Miller." Chase snappe

ll silent.

le but said nothing. He

, a cruel smile on his

eyes on him. He had no choice.

rchief from his pocket.

m, then at Tori. S

shame was a ph

e handkerchief. "Cl

ing. He could feel Chase's smug satisfaction, Tori's ave

onference with European stakeholders, C

ancial summaries. They were

le comments. "So dry, Mill

ou can do? Sounds like you

han, perhaps you could... simplify thes

y international partners. His carefully prepared analysis was

i threw for Chase, ostensibly to celebrate his "groundbreakin

in his EA capacity, ensuri

an. "Miller! Just the man. I'm pa

s he returned with the d

lergic to alcohol, Miller. Is t

ded curtl

s liquor." Chase took the scotch, then held it

smiled vaguely. "Don't

r. Albright. I hav

Unless you're trying to insult my

e on him aga

trembling slightly. He too

ly in his throat, his skin began to

ed. "See? N

athe discreetly, his vision blur

ly exclaimed, patting his wrists. "T

han. "Miller was just ne

Ethan. "I didn't

. "Chase, darlin

Miller must hav

him, her expression hard

would

anded. "He's the only o

of a second, then nodded to he

his pockets in front of everyone. His wallet, his keys, his ph

ow him. He pleaded with Tori

they foun

found the cufflinks near the canapés tab

. Well, there they

o was still shaking, try

n. Nothing major. You're just a secre

a sec

ed in the sudden, ring

Insignific