
Grace went still. “Say what?” Roman kept his voice quiet. “When I was waking up, you said, ‘Please don’t let…

Maya blinked. “You do?” Lila pointed her chopsticks at her. “You are many things, but you are not stupid enough…

“How do you know about that?” “I told you,” he said quietly. “I read your paper.” “My paper does not…

Nolan felt a small irritation, not fear. “Who told you that?” “Legal.” “Legal also thinks a comma can create a…

“How exciting. Is Dad over the moon?” Natalie looked down at the onesie and made herself smile. “He’s busy.” The…

Lucas looked toward the stairs. “Are we open?” “No.” “But the bell—” “Stay in the kitchen.” “Mom—” “Lucas.” He heard…

Owen whispered, “Mommy, who is he?” Roman heard it. Something in his face moved, pain passing under the surface like…

“You think you’re tough?” Julian asked softly, cruelly. “Prove it.” The old Mara might have apologized. The Mara who had…

“Is Caleb one of the directions?” She inhaled, annoyed that he had forced the name into the room. “This is…

“… Which would you like first?” Darius looked at her. “The money.” “Practical,” she said, and began. He did not…

“What?” Archer asked. “Nothing.” “That didn’t look like nothing.” She straightened. “His lungs are clear. Heart rate is appropriate for…

She froze. “Do what?” “Disappear.” The word struck too close. Clara lifted her chin. “With respect, Mr. Vale, I’d rather…

“Evelyn?” Preston called. “Why is your car outside?” She picked up the tablet and walked toward the staircase. He stood…

Caleb looked back at Sylvia. “Why not?” “We were in the middle of a live event.” “You had time to…

Lily stepped closer. “Do you have kids?” “No.” “Do you have a dog?” “No.” “Do you have snacks?” “Not yet.”…

“Will be?” Her voice lost its polished shine. “Mason, the party is in four days.” Lillian looked down into her…

Nora tilted her head. “Then why are you shaking?” He stared at her, offended and grateful at once. She nudged…

PART 2 “You wrote it yourself.” Sera Walsh stood behind the counter of the café with her phone pressed…

His head snapped up. “Legal separation? Account freezes? An audit?” His voice rose. “What the hell is this?” “A consequence.”…

“Which one?” “The one you’re most afraid to hold.” Caleb went still. “I’m not afraid of my children.” Nora looked…