door three times a day. There were books, a television, a bathroom stocked with expensive products. But there was no

almost

t stood there, his face as impassive as ever. "You're f

on the curb. Before the black car pulled away, Rhys handed her a new, un

She was free, but she felt more lost than ever. She turned on the telev

tegic alliance between Jennings Development and a subsidiary of Carlisle Industries. The deal, the anchor c

waist. Annelise glowed, her face a perfect picture of innocent joy. There was no mention of Chloe. Her

ued her for two weeks evaporated, bu

y thought they had thrown her

sharply tailored black trousers, a silk blouse, and heels that made a sharp, definitive click on the hardwood floor. She applied her makeup with a steady h

townhouse in Gramercy Park. She didn

p next to Preston on the sofa, the two of them flipping through a glossy brid

a grenade tossed into

jumped to his feet, his jaw dropping. The colo

almost comical. A bitter laugh escaped Chloe's lips.

essly into her victim role. Tears welled in her e

. "What the hell are you yelling at her for? You disappear for tw

she started walking toward the staircase. There was only one thing she

mask of fake concern. "Sister, please don't be

ey look perfectly healthy to me. Positively glowing, in fa

"Chloe Jennings! You watch your mouth! After the disgustin

"That's enough, Chloe. You're

r touch cloying and false. "Come, sit down, d

rned. She looked at each of them, one by one, h

chip of ice. "I'm here to put you on notice. Everything you took from

d by the venom in Chloe's eyes. Preston, ever the protector o

achery and weakness, and felt a strange, exhilarating thr

r. "My old room. I assume

look away. It was all th

ed forward, pushing past Annelise's weak att

t-" Preston started

gaze empty of all warmth, all history, all love. It was th

Carlisle felt a genuine sliver of fear.