early collided with Bryson's fathe

elf-assured, offering him a cool but courteous

g frown as he turned to Bryson. "You should spend less energy on

voice cool and detached. "I'v

t lights of the underground parking l

ff the concrete. "Madelyn, what happened last night? Why did Bryson sudden

t-everyone who was anyone now knew the Mill

There's nothing going on." She pressed the button, her tone clipped. "Janice st

pen resentment, her eyes narrowing. "You pleaded for that transfer forever, and he wouldn't even b

ndured years of grueling challenges-late nights, endless client dinners, and everything else. Every win was

lders resented seeing a Mills step into the top seat. More th

nesse that turned the tide. As head of PR, she landed a string of hig

ugh to make her resume glow and

lucrative offers in front of Madelyn, but she ne

wanted was to collect what Julissa owed her

lissa had dangled a promise: stick with Bryson until his wedding, and she'd revea

e one constant in her chaotic life, th

it already? Leave that ungrateful bastard in t

a, watch your mouth," she murmured, lowering her voice. "

w the dangers of

iend. He refuses to admit it in public, and now he's parading some side piece around just to rub it in your

vator doors slid open. On the other side, Janice was ringed by a

sharp look. "It's barely morning-don't you pe

and flashed her a dazzling sm

replied, her voice cool

g was still fre

r tone brisk. "Show her

adiating unmistakable authority as she g

rry, we'll have to wait a minute-Bryson's grabbing my off

red at Madelyn in disbelief. Bryson, fetching supplies for Janice? Th

her face stayed perfectly com

ing." Bryson's voice cut through the corridor behi

e, and addressed Janice with deliberate care. "Stick with Ra

ccepted the box and set off, Jan

s office. "You'll be joining the project team at Southverd

f his suit jacket and hand

es-carrying a crisp citrus note she instantly recognized.

he settled his suit jacket on the rack. Feigning

re's a holdout on Verdancy Lane-won't leave the place, no matter what.

That was where the orphanage still stood-the only real home she

the office, memories swirling

irritation. "What's wrong? Do

ruggled with her words. "Bryson, do we really have to tear down Verd