om the jewelry store

hroat, to the delicate sil

Ethan, years ago, when they wer

ld against

bench in Jackson Square, staring

t to her, his vo

t? Saw your boyfriend buying hi

him, clutchi

. "Still got that old thing,

y with a friend,

people just attract drama, don't they? It's a

iend g

sensing an opportunity, put his arm around

he murmured, loud enough for S

stone as he saw Ava with Leo, Sop

said, his voice tight. H

away, leaving Ava alone with Leo's

to drink herself numb

o dull the ache in her heart, o

k on t

was probably Leo, l

e insistent. Then, the so

ha

lockbox where she kept a s

dishevel

er, backing her

g with Maxwell in the Square

e force. He grabbed her

er family has a reputation to protect.

r: protect Sophia.

one rang

nd accusing, filled the smal

th that degenerate musician in public? After

ly, took the phon

d. "There's been a misunderstanding. Ava was with m

t, then hung up, handin

dable. He had cover

orning, her body ac

ed in the room, a gh

ain. It was Gabby

is mother... Eleanor. She's i

t clenched

ing, a part of

he hospital, his fac

you," Ava said.

edside. The old woman was

than, a flicker

an... promise me... uphold the fam

s Ava, unfocused, but t

er's hand. "I promi

er eyes. A final

en, si

A vow made on his

stay away