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"Just in love." --- Back in the present, that line made her stomach twist. She didn't go upstairs or ask for anyone. Just stood in the lobby of the empire she helped build-then quietly slipped out through the back door like a ghost. Outside, Camille waited in the car, sunglasses pushed into her curls, windows cracked just enough to catch the breeze. "You went in?" she asked as Nicole climbed in beside her. Nicole shook her head. "No. I just... remembered." Camille gave her a long look. "I still think you should tell me what's really going on." Nicole kept her gaze out the window. "Julian's hiding something." "Something like...?" "Something big." Camille's voice dropped. "Affair big?" Nicole didn't answer. Instead, she pulled out her phone and held it up. "This was in our cloud drive. Last edited four days ago." Camille leaned closer. "Floor plans?" "For a house," Nicole said softly. "Not ours. Different state, the deed is in his name only." Camille's brows drew tight. "He's buying property behind your back?" Nicole nodded once. "I haven't even told him I'm pregnant. And he's out here building a whole new life." Camille stared at her, the weight settling in. Then she handed the phone back, face unreadable. "You need to stop asking questions," she said, "and start getting answers. I know a guy, he's quiet and discreet." Nicole hesitated. "A private investigator?" Cami

ng, she then decid