ed at the pho

' s p

again, a tex

gala tonight. Don' t forget our

an older messag

illed the screen, then t

ouse. Ava' s guesthouse

e used as a

s mother' s di

va had left of h

n, the text belo

stomach

o announce the biggest client signing

. The one

w up alone. She c

discreet service a cynica

compan

s flew across

red, smooth,

an I he

aid, her voice flat. "Toni

pa

You need to act like

ther end, Liam,

, low

at' s a specific role. Ar

tightened

ment. You play the part, y

desperation in

ievable. Someone who

anything like th

e, but less repulsive th

heir pity, or worse,

apable of handling myself," Liam sa

ou afford my lev

as calm, al

tted he

the evening. And dis

. let' s just say for a leading lady like yourself, I can b