had become relentless, making sure Bella stayed close, under the guise of professional necessity. Every blueprint, every late-night revis

professionalism, her clipped replies and cool tone a barrier she hoped he couldn't breach. But he was watching. Alw

port across the table without a word. B

ents?" she asked,

ght. "But the cost breakdown is vague, and the

wasn't part of the original plan." Her eyes narrow

. "It has your di

n Bella's throat. "

udying her. "Someone's trying to make

like a shroud. Veronica wasn't just pl

, the trap s

a a last-minute assignment. "Mr. Reed wants you to p

ing. The property was remote and long-forgotten.

onica said, her sm

lobby, suitcase in hand,

eaded?" he asked

to evaluate a condemned sit

t's Veronica. She's trying to isolate you. And she's been whispering

. "What exactly

l records before you left. That

anger. "That's a lie. I left

ut Jason's already asking questions.

ears. Veronica was circling like a vulture, Jason was chasing ghosts, and

most unexpected

d up at Lil

on the firm's new security insta

tly. "Hey! You're the m

eling before her. "

y screen flashing parents' pic

n fr

felt t

ust a little. "Som

. The way his fingers trembled, the awe in his eyes told a story words never co

hing her daughter sleep. The weight of it all bore down on her-Jason's nearness,

as D

id, warmth lacing every syllable. "I mi

n't know. I feel like

said. "Come back. To Boston

a

ike a bell tolling

of her child. And no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't forget the way

r phone vib

ymous m

broke things off with Veronica. Dig

d. She stared at the

d her to unco

battle between love and lies she was sta

ty had just become