climbed out of the cherry-red Bugatti. Questions lingered behind his eyes, but he si

nything but you lately. You made it in time f

xia answered, "Just call me Alex

e faltered, caught of

nor wanted to mediate, but from the way Alexia carried

Alexia stepped inside and spotted Eleanor on the sofa, a w

ne laced with concern. "You picked a rough time to arrive, sweetheart. Allen just stormed off, determined to hau

"I've already signed the divorce agre

out that mess with her or the whole talk about some 'real daughter.' All I see is you. I won't accept anyo

And when that love fades, I move on. I'm finished waiting for a man to grow up. I'm through making excuses for his choices. Roge

voice-firm and unwavering

row up, Alexia. You were like my own granddaughter. Roger had it rough as a kid. When h

n the gratitude she felt for Eleanor. The warmth she received from the old woman had filled the empty places th

breath. "Roger has no idea what he lost. He believed he co

uous. She's not even a real Jenkins. And she's played the role of Mrs. Gibson for two years. Roger's

tairs in pajamas. He sprawled across from Alexia on the couch, throwing her a sly smir

s really how you talk to people? Take a good look at yourself. You can't eve

is legs, an insufferable grin spreading acro

shallow. Alexia reached over, her hand a gentle anchor

her eyes cold and assessing, as if she

no gold. Roger barely stood out as halfway capable. The rest dragged the family

ly for Roger's sake and partly out of stubborn goodwill. In return, she earned nothi

that face? Don't act like I'm making this up. If it weren't f

ran out. "Enough!

, too cool to care about lectures. Still, something in her qu

saying anything,

sh settled o

sible to read, until she finally looked

another word, col

mmered with a wicked challenge. He swung his leg

d before she brought her gleaming heel down-squarely on his