ny had. Before transferring to this small branch to be w

dedly designed the core architecture for two of

been the lead architect, the one who solved the impossible problems and worked through the nights. He

es. Each time, Elek Preston had personally tried to persuade her. Each time, she had said

as no longer an opportunity she was sacrificing;

serious over the phone. "This is a high-security project. It'

re," Des

s tone warming. "Frankly, you' re the

k you,

ur current manager, he' ll nee

him anything. This is a direct transfer from you. I

ew something was wrong. "Understood. The transp

will

mpty office. The decision felt like the

personal items. As she rounded the corner, she s

ding a box of personal belongings, a bright, sweet s

fe, Chanel. She' ll be joining us a

congratulations. The air was

the times Craig had insisted they

d. "We don' t want people thinking I' m showing yo

onal integrity. She had thought their love was a priva

, she understood the real reason. He wasn' t prote

aries, the holidays spent with just the two of them because he didn

w, triumphant smile spread across her perfectl

on, the betrayal, the sheer injustice of it al

died down as

said, her voice

ing when he saw her express

ooked directly at Cha

glances. Chanel' s sweet facade ti

ered, her eyes wide with feigne

aid, her voice rising. "Be

e office. People stared, their ey

her face in Craig' s shoulder. "Craig, wha

ssed, his face a mask of fury

e shook with rage. "We are marri

" one of the senior managers said, ste

cate in her lockbox. The official records that no

eration creeping into her voice.

pity and suspicion. She sound

t understand. Craig, why is she

rance to the department. He took in

She took a step toward Dessie, her han

calm down," Ch

hand, her grip surprisingly strong. D

go o

her voice a venomous hiss only Dessie co

backward and threw herself to the floor

!" Crai

s new wife. He cradled her in his arms, looking up at Dessie with a

m, it was clear. Dessi