iling windows of the master suite as Everlee p

lack cashmere sweater, tugging the cuffs

the notarized manila envelope into a plain c

ble island in a crisp navy suit with a mug of black c

his gold-rimmed glasses. Clearly assuming she had lost her nerve overnig

you wouldn't last forty-eight hours. Have you finally come to your s

land, sat down, and took a printed inventory of her jewelry vault from her can

owned and stepped closer, reaching across the c

lking to you. Put

sheet out of his reach, and her loose

ng of dark purple bruisin

sharply, he reached across the isl

genuine shock cutting through his irritation as h

up-just as Jamison's phone buzzed s

r ID flas

phone on the first ring, tapping the speaker button as he

you up so early

m the speaker, followed by the sharp cl

bother you..." Ayla whimpere

t thinking about how angry Everlee was at the

reakfast for her so she wouldn't divorce you over me, but-the

a choked, w

around makes Everlee hate you this much, maybe I should just stop tak

, any fleeting concern he had felt fo

into the phone, his voice tight with panic

and don't move an inch-I'm calling the cardiologist to meet us a

d around toward Everlee, his

d. "Ayla was so terrified of coming between us that she worked herself into a hea

s leather wallet and slapped it down ri

al," Jamison snapped, looking dow

t this tantrum out of your system. While you're there, pick out a piece of

eat handwriting. She didn't even feel angry anymore-just a hollo

d, she lifted her gaze, h

y. "What if I told you I was kidnapped on my way home yesterday,

n stopped in his tracks, sta

from Beatrice: "Hurry up, Jamison! Ayla is crying

old, incredulous laugh, his gaze dropping to

yourself when you make up l

ccusing finger

uctors just let Mrs. Ingram walk home in o

our own wrists raw just to compete with a sick girl for s

he penthouse, the heavy front

at the closed door as a cold smile touched her lips. Five years of marriage, and

ed over to the stainless-steel trash can, and dropped

tote for the couriers, she returned to the maste

y wife, packing only a few simple clothes she owned before the wedding. O

g her suitcase behind her, Everlee walked