mes, deleted their numbers, and instructed his staff to politely decline their calls and visits. His focus was singular: the upcoming marri

r. He was no longer the boy who lived in the shadow of his chi

was not done

m. Kortney, Danielle, and Jinnie were in the foyer, grouped protec

owbeaten the new butle

ut, her voice sharp with ac

cence. "Mr. Pittman, sir. It's my fault. I just wanted

voice was perfectly calibrated t

sked, his voice flat. He continued

ything," Jeb mumbled, his eyes downcast. "I know my place. I wou

d in front of him. "Don't be ridiculous, Jeb. You'

, placing a comforting hand on Jeb's arm.

see he's injured? Why would you even let him t

stood in his house, accusing him of cruelty toward

e manager. If he wishes to work, that is his decision. If you are so co

estion, but the words were a test. A

oor. With a dramatic cry, he fell to his knees. "Mr. Pittman, please! Don't send me away! I ha

asterful p

ree women cri

him, their faces contor

tney shrieked, cradling Jeb's

snapped, her eyes flashing with fury as sh

mpletely ignoring Donavan. He was once again an outside

ns of his first life, the decades of being overlooked, of bei

of their accusations followed him, a cacophony of misplaced loyalt

ace was sh

. Pittman?" It was Jeb. "I... I brought you some

re, holding a tray with a single cup o

Donavan said, his v

d, stepping forward. "Just

ching forward. The tray tilted, and the scalding hot

his arm. He cried out, instinct

what Jeb had be

lf backward with incredible force. He twisted his body, aiming

a sicken

of blood appearing on his temple. He le

am was a

eir eyes wide with alarm. They saw Jeb on the floor, bleeding. They saw

happened. They didn

what Jeb wante

ortney screamed, dr

e were a piece of furniture. In their haste, Danielle's shoulder slamme

is arm, his heart and his fle

s lifelong misery. They carefully lifted Jeb, their faces a mask of pure terror and concern. The

e room, their frantic foot

ayal thick in the air. A single tear, hot and bitter, traced a p

em touch his world again. He would burn