Chapter 9

*Scene 1: Kitchen*

Clara's voice raised an octave, adopting the shrill, demanding tone she usually reserved for the country club. "I don't care if the supplier in Holland had a bad frost! I ordered white peonies for the Gala centerpieces, not cream, not ivory—white! If you can't source th

Chapter 10

The smell of freshly brewed espresso and warm butter croissants wafted into the master bedroom, pulling Clara from a fitful sleep.

She opened her eyes to the sight of Julian walking through the double oak doors, carrying a silver tray. He was wearing his cashmere sweater, his hair perf

Chapter 11

The penthouse of the Thorne Developments tower was entirely raw. Exposed steel beams stretched across the ceiling, and floor-to-ceiling windows offered a dizzying, panoramic view of the city below. There were no walls yet, just concrete floors and a massive oak table sitting squarely in