behind him, sealing

was designed to soothe: muted lighting, leather furniture, a view of the Hudson River th

ce didn't l

nglasses remained in place, but Anderson could see the tension in her jaw, the tightness in her sh

ople always know. You probably have files, photos, dates.

er. He filled a glass, set it on the coffee table.

ing in his voice, or his posture, or simply the absurdity of being

leather sighe

pen on his knees. The position was non-threatening, attent

unate," he said. "But it's not fatal.

riage that didn't humiliate me in front of three hundred guests. My interest was i

es swollen with crying, mascara tracking down her cheeks. She looke

anna's letter. Fo

t his voice low, stea

ded, sn

the investments, the brand partnerships-you've built something together that transcends

at him, tears suspended, something

contract,"

ial agreement contains infidelity clauses. Standard language, but poorly structured. If you file for

t pale. "That's-h

usiness competitors-specifically, if we suggest that these photographs were staged, that your husband was entrapped-we shift t

d the screen, reading

id slowly. "Thursday night

en gathering evidence. That this 'scandal' is actually your husband's desperate attempt to preempt your own announcement."

ng tracks on her foundation. She looked at

he said. "I like

. He smiled anyway, professional and empty. "I

. The transformation was remarkable-the broken wife repla

a statement, the leak, all of it

o the door, held it op

ose, touched his shoulder briefly. "You sa

he entourage waiting in the hall

ing only exhaustion. The room smelled of her perfume now, heavy and cloying. He walked

opened be

sincerity. "Truly. I haven't seen act

wn the glass. H

lace. "She bought every word. The cold fish routine, the 'I s

you wan

off the doorframe, stepping closer. "She thinks you need a break. Thinks you're not quite yourself late

uca's tie, silk bunching in his fist,

e frame. Somewhere ou

at I'm capable of. You have no idea what I've lost today. So take your account, take your

, then white. His hands

m. Stepped back. Str

f the room with