composure. The shock was still thrumming through his veins, but his desperation was a more powerful

man in a sharp, impeccably tailored suit holdin

ve assistant. Preston smoothed his own suit jacket an

smile. "I'm Preston Hayes, CEO of Price Corporation. I believe you're

didn't reach his eyes. "I'm sorry, sir, but I'm not auth

dollar proposal for the doctor. Our appointment is regarding the Sinclair family project.

seeable future. If you'd like to submit a formal request through the official channels

sentence. Price Corporation wouldn't last

conspiratorially. "Perhaps a generous donation to the doctor's r

t the edges. "Dr. Jocelyn isn't

tense of subtlety, Liam's phone buzzed. He answered it immedia

ning slightly in surprise. "Understood.

able. "Actually, there has been a change in the situation. The

riumph. Their pressure, their money, the

t on speaker. It rang once before a voice answered-a

Jocelyn. You have thirty se

he blood drained from their

ng. "Chloe? What is this? What ki

the executive assistant to Dr. Jocelyn. My records indicate you are Mr. Preston Hayes of Price Corporation, a compa

fectly enunciated,

ntinued, as cool and impersonal as an automated message. "Dr. Jocelyn does not engage with individual

e bustling terminal suddenly deafenin

itying. "I believe that concludes our business

r face contorted with rage and humiliation

walked over to a redhead who was waiting for her by

ierce hug. "You did it! Oh

through Chloe's icy co

n, little man, Auntie Sarah has a car full

rrowed. She saw Preston, his corporate veneer comple

ston snarled, his face inches from Liam

his professional calm fin

oah's small backpack to Sar

said, her voice dropping to a low, dangerous pi

-