tairs. Not a slam. Soft, measured footsteps climbed th

w. She took a slow, steadying breath, schoolin

o an expression of concern and tenderness. The charming husband mask w

or behind him. "I got your message. I cam

ned slowly

m f

r and approached her slowly, a

ou have every right to be. But firing Sh

, her voice flat. "Like

but he recovered quickly

rible mistake. She threw herself at

ed, her voice flat. "Did tha

answer for

ward venture that didn't pan out. I was going to tell yo

r, trying to t

o believe me. Everyt

hands away as i

t tou

nged tactics again, appeal

ve the Children's Hope Foundation gala tonight.

nto. The irony was suffocating. Her first instinct was to refuse. But then a cold, calc

voice clipped. "I'll g

is features. He

ld gown," he said, already directin

around her neck felt like ice. At the gala at The Plaza, they were the pict

line, whose heart is as

y made her w

, he guided her

"The foundation has a new sponsorship program. We could sponsor a child d

ittle boy with light brown hair and famil

pine. The boy looked... fami

softly. "His mother is unable to

to support... who? A horrifying suspicion began

ld, mocking smile curling her lips, as

enevolent smile. "Let's give h