r wo

s around us. They sliced through four years of shared memories, late-night coding ses

as over. The gift, this mansion, felt

face. "How did a bum like you even get past security? This e

abrina's, who was pointedly look

" I said calmly.

s. "Own the place? You? Don't lie t

shing with fury. "Stop it, Ethan! Stop mak

age. "Ethan, I don't know what game you're playing, but you are jeopardizing

her off to Ryan Cla

low. "Every startup here is pitching for a singl

red at m

ted. "I'm the fin

aughter that drew stares from nearby guests. They thought I w

nsane," J

avy stone in my chest. I just wanted to le

m behind. I stumbled, catching myse

"Hey, buddy. I'll let you stick around. See how real

test. She just watched, her face

a physical thing,

voice devoid of all warmth. "Is

were for herself. "Yes," she whispered, the word barel

e absurdity of it tasting like as

ed but did

me. Fine. They wanted a

table and sat down, crossing my legs. I woul

ook at him, think

the real world. Besides, the main event is about to start. I hear some major D.C.

up. "Gabby Jones? Wow. She's a goddess. Pow

y ear, her breath hot with deceit. "Ethan, please. I'm only playing

should thank Ryan for letting you st

it. The f

out, clear and loud, silenc

Our marria

ed, "As if. Everyone will know we du

ti-million dollar diamond necklace you're wearing? The one you told everyone was a family hei

er throat, her fac

ling debts in Monaco. The seven figures you almos

w went

stunt with that biotech firm. The one the SEC was about to n

sbelief and dawning horror. They had no idea who I was, and now, they we