a of authority. His features were sharply defined, cool and

tant trailing Alexander beg

a sharp sideways glance. "It's Miss Dawson now. Not

with a definitive clatter, her expressio

steady, she waved a dismissive hand. Kevin Porte

turned back to haul a daze

ased, grinning. "Weren't you li

." Rex stumbled afte

k back. She didn't bother correcting Kevin

ation wasn't worth

on vanished

ps as he turned to Alexander. "So, you're just letting yo

l you used to complain about?

Alexander bit out

om his face with a tissue, a qu

ated Stella, genuinely beli

clearly surprised. "Yo

der replied, liftin

d you cast aside the girl he practically gifted-wrapped

into my office, hijacked my computer, and emailed the

managed to st

shoulder, feigning sympathy. "O

ere?" he continued, leaning in with mock concern. "I know some spe

is hand away with

.

some ice cream.

n her chair, her tone

Club, she had brought Kevi

night had fallen, the pavement still

tarted to rise, bu

ed, glancing uncertainl

he gave a small, apprecia

to the counter and quie

rs is a lethal weapon," Kevin j

more accomplished than Alexander still wouldn

his probl

home?" Kevin gestured subtly toward the man waiting at

irting, and even told customers the blunt truth-

really makes a succ

t," Stella Dawson said, a hint

rned carrying sever

e to her and

ight Club was actually mor

g an immediate large bite. "G

half-full, "what made you want to get into

bing his hands together with a teasing grin

rop the smirk and straighten up. He rolled his eyes slightl

an arm around Rex's shoulder. "Come on, let's

between Kevin and Stella. Ultimat

ront, parked curbside in a consp

oment before sliding int

ngers lightly tracing the wooden bead on the red string around his neck. His f

im, awkwardly silent, sear

xander asked suddenly, his voice low. "Su

ed. "I... I

lexander stated

son," Jack muttered nervou

further as he stared at

evant," he snapped, yanking open

avy thud. The car sped off, leaving Jack

in a foul mood lately-b

d. Simply pulled out his phone

light Club, Stella basically

t since Alexander had ceased to appear

sidence was unavoidable-she ne

ing even m

and strode into the Dawson villa, h

in an oversized sweatshirt and loose-fitting pants, s

oked startl

ghty voice called from

red on the landing, her chin lifted imperious

ly, her expression flat but her

precious daughter' role

s Miss Stella." the

slowly, her eyes locking onto St

elicate, striking features. However much Emily loathed

awless complexion and perfect bon

stoked the fires of Em

otic swirl of emotions-envy, rage, bitt

e get to lo

es her s