nswering the call. She tried to

, M

ame through the line. "He

hands began to tremble like aspen leaves in the wind, her breath hitchi

r mother repeated, concern beg

ade Ella break down more. Her body shook with silent sobs as tears

to speak. "Yes, Mom... I h

er daughter's pain. "Oh, my little bunny. Why as

dly in her mind. Did she hear that correctly? Or wa

tly. "What did you jus

ght laugh, as if the

er generous donation. I called to thank him, a

ng. Her face tightened with fury.

n't accept any mo

's confused voice returned. "Ella, what is wron

e background. "I have to go

ne wen

y breath. A hot storm of betrayal and helplessness brewed within her. She turned and began r

-

urst through the doors,

was empty. T

and she nearly collapsed, if not for the fir

m voice spo

always so los

iking, sharp cheekbones, soft but intense eyes,

u," she murmured, then t

her disappear wi

d, almost to himself. Then he walked

-

y growing with every tick of the clock. She

nd Ella stepped in, her

d to her. "Wh

out. She dropped to her k

ured me

ly on her chest. "Tell me what happened. We'll fix

made her freeze. She had for

she whispered. "

ed in disbelief. "Wh

café, to the insults, the coffee incident, and her mother's shocking phone call. When

ard. Who the hell does he think he is?

r, at the world, at Richard, at the situati

oing to let this break you. W

rms, raw, real tears that on

-

a tall man finally exited a

built, dressed in black with tousled dark hai

s assistant Na

act?" Nathan asked quietly

He tilted his head back against

his company.

through the mirror as

on - I saw Mr. Eastwood leav

a flicker of fire danci

ess observations to yourself

ing on the gas, leaving behind th

-

next

, fists clenched tightly by her side

o find her mother, Halsey, sitti

ing here?" she demand

d by the aggression. "A

I'm not! Why are you h

ld respond, a cold vo

nna, Richard's older sister, descen

ng quickened. The humiliation of the past few days had re

cked but rose

My. Mo