dows of the guest bedroom, casting long go

le carry-on suitcase. She had packed light: three changes of clothes

a silver tray with a cup of black cof

etly, setting the cup on the bedside table. "Mr. Decker wa

p the coffee and

ome a long time ago. Thank you for tak

, and pulled out an antique mahogany jewelry box. Inside rested a single teardrop-shaped

t lid and slipped the bo

ned to the v

ck card, along with dozens of velvet boxes containing every piece of Harry Winston and Ca

aps over and sealed them wi

Wall Street," Kinsley said, sliding the box towar

t the box, her

the ring

vy, cold, and entirely foreign. She gripped the metal, slid it over her

olished surface of the ring, r

ase handle and walked d

g a bowl of warm bird's nest soup. When she saw Kinsley descend

p, smoothing

tian isn't going to like you run

els clicked across the marble floor,

You gave up your family, you gave up your trust fund, and now you're walking out on the Decker

her head slightly, her gaze passing over Bl

," Kinsley said flatly. "And make s

, stepped into the waiting yellow

ong Island estate. He tossed his coat to a footman

ow and raspy from a full day of board meetin

The maids kept their heads do

sealed cardboard box. She set it down on t

Mrs. Decker lef

ng his cuffs. His eyebrows

? Did you shut of

pered. "And she left everything. Th

the stairs three at a time, his polished dress shoes slamm

pen and empty. The bed was made with mi

enter of the empty vanit

om the glass. The metal was cold against his palm. Inside the band

to his skin, his knuckles turning dead white. A suffocati

the doorway, her voice drip

trying to make you chase her. Once her bank

d, volatile irritation. He didn't yell, but his eyes were so

the patience to deal with Blair right now. All he could think about was the cold, emp