papers, her mind whirring. She could feel the weight of the decision pressing on her chest. Every document she scanned only ad

tion. She glanced up to see Stephan standing in t

ying none of the emotions swirling inside her. She hadn't expe

o the files on her desk. I know what you've f

, her words sharp. But you're right. I

nd the file in front of her. She could feel the anger bubbling inside he

him. This could destroy you, Stephan

troy me? His voice was low, filled wi

feel guilty for doing what's right. My father's dead because

e overwhelming. Then why haven't you do

, she almost believed him. The qu

response. But Paisley was lost in her thoughts, her mind torn between duty and desire. Th

o herself. But I don't see any other way. My father's deat

what I did. I'm not asking for forgiveness, Paisl

orever. There was something raw in his eyes, something that mirrored the conflict

nymore, she said, her voice trembli

pered. Just for once. You d

t only for a second. The weight of her father's death, the anger sh

rom Stephan, she found her

had left, but Paisley couldn't shake the weight of their conversa

reaked open again. This

is

ession unreadable. He was always calm, always composed, b

s steady, but she couldn't stop herse

m. I'm not here to talk about business. I'm h

eyebrow. What are

ephan's not the only one who's changed. He's not

kipped a beat. Wh

of this alone for too long. And I think you deserve to know that you'

he was speechless, the weight of his words sinki

bling. But before she could finish

bout it, he said quietly.

mind spinning. She hadn't expected this hadn't expected the kindness, the vul

hing was what it se