g in her chest like a warning drum. The call had been brief, but

ew he

expecti

ut it didn't feel like a th

anced at the clock on the wall-11:23 PM. The salon had been b

hen to make tea. As the kettle heated, she replayed the ba

her chance to

ump. She poured the water, added the tea

tled in, her ph

own n

d it up quickly-no voice ca

o pay back what he owes, or the consequen

nds tr

h

ading the message. Then anothe

u are. If you're tied

offee table like it was on fire.

what had

om who? For what? Had he mentioned needing a loan? Not

y desperate for him to walk thr

iggled. Andrew entered, his

sked, locking th

ou," she said tightl

r, kicking off his shoes. "Look, if it's

"I got an invitation today. F

froze

ng it gently in his hands. "It was delivered to the bar. On

the card. His brow furrowed. "What

unity," she said softly. "To come t

g this?" he asked, voice rising

ed. "The bills, the rent-your salon is collapsing.

ures. "You think going to some party thrown by a billionai

. "You took out a

oked up,

threatening me about your debt. Said if you

was supposed to be a small loan. Just to help keep th

ou didn't tell me. You risked ever

to worry you,

," she snapped. "And I

e people. You think rich guys hand out invites to

t the catch is w

itl

. If there's even a *chance* this

on the edge of the couch, shoulders sl

his marriage, Andrew," she whispere

n't re

her heart thudded painfully. The world was shifting around her-and whether Andre

ation onto the dresser,

unknown

ar r