ion of orchids. It was a quiet, meditative task, a stark contrast to the br

ready dressed for the day, coffee cups in hand. They w

ugh for Ava to hear. "Last night was... ex

was deliberately ostentatious. "For me too, Chloe

her orchids, her movem

y make them for me. And make sure the toast is light brown, not dark. She's particular." He waved

r's name. A cruel

ares your breakfast, Ethan, as they have for the past five years. I'm sure they can accommodate Ms. Carter's preferences if you inform

He took a step towards her. "Don't think for a second you're indispensable. There are plenty

, Ethan? Or a promise?" She knew the contract was her only shield, and its expira

e was used to her silent compl

ling, don't upset yourself. I'm sure Ava is just... adjusting." She gave Ava a s

"Come, let's talk about the guest list for your

back to her orchids. Her hands we

w personal items she intended to take with her, when her private ph

ed at his club. He's having a severe cris

rything, her body was still tied

one containing the concentrated serum derived from her latest painful plasma ex

hallow. Dr. Ramirez looked grave. "His levels are crit

nge with the clear, potent serum. This wa

eyes fluttered open. He focused on her, h

?" he rasped, trying

Ethan," Ava said calmly

ique properties of her cells worked like

color returning to his face, but his

sed, his voice rough. "What did you g

l ache in her bones from the recent extraction. "It was a specialized

d syringe from the medical tray, his eyes glinting. "

h the threat. H

u'll find nothing but what's supposed to be the

rain, the hidden pain – that wo