I opened Frank’s message.
He wrote: Friday, I’ll be with Alpha Gideon at the Aman Hotel, meeting a client.
You can drop off the suit then.
My head spun with questions.
Alpha Gideon wanted to see me again?
At a hotel, no less–a secluded one where even a howl wouldn’t carry far.
What was he up to?
I didn’t dare guess.
It wasn’t fear–I’d leap at a real chance–but this wolf’s games were too hard to read.
I just wanted a career, not more mess.
After thinking it over, I mirrored his coldness and didn’t reply.
Down in the garage, Frank sighed and pocketed his phone.
Alpha Gideon said not to push, but Frank knew better.
Elliot mentioned my job inquiry–there was a misunderstanding.
Frank set this up, hoping a face–to–face would clear it.
But I was stubborn too…
His Bentley pulled out, passing a Ferrari on the street.
Alpha Adrian parked by the road, calls unanswered, texts ignored.
He was ready to snap.
Then the Orchid Court resident list hit his phone.
What stunned him wasn’t my name–it was the penthouse owner: Alpha Gideon?
Alpha Gideon?
Adrian knew he was back.
The Hartleys were like shadow royalty here, rarely seen.
They’d crossed paths as teens at banquets–Gideon stood out, aloof as ice sculpture.
I’d bought a place in his building, no word to Adrian.
Were we connected?
Coincidence?
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13:28
<Chapter 17
He thought of the golf course.
Two hours later, I drove out, spotted the familiar Ferrari, and hit the brakes.
Adrian leaned against it, smoking.
Smoke curled around his sharp jaw, his look pure danger.
My brain raced.
By the time I pulled up, I had a plan.
I got out, slid into his passenger seat, and attacked: “Why are you here? Stalking me?”
He grabbed his phone, tossed it on my lap. “Explain.”
I glanced–Orchid Yard’s list.
Calmly, I handed it back.
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“I worked my ass off. What’s wrong with buying my own place? Down payment’s mine, not a cent of yours.”
His eyes sharpened.
“Don’t play dumb. Why hide it?”
“Didn’t think I needed to. Wanted something that’s just mine. Too much to ask?”
The Blackwoods once accused me of gold–digging, forced me to sign a pre–bond agreement.
Adrian froze, then laughed bitterly.
“When have I ever held back? The jewelry I gave you’s worth more than this house.”
I said nothing.
He pulled out his wallet, tossed gold cards at me.
“Wanna buy houses? Go ahead. Put ‘em all in your name. Buy till you’re sick of it.”
I smirked.
“Real big of you, Adrian.”
Tempting–take the money, ignore his cheating, become a numb cash machine.
But I couldn’t settle for a dead life.
I gathered the cards, tucked them back.
“Not buying now. I’ll hit you up when I do.”
As I set the wallet on his lap, he grabbed my hand, searching my face.
“You don’t trust me anymore, do you?”
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< Chapter 17
I smiled bright. “Trust or not–long as you’re happy, right?”
I pulled free.
My phone rang.
I tensed–Frank, after I ignored him?
Adrian caught my nerves, gaze sharp.
“You ignore me, but someone else too?”
I checked the screen: Evelyn. His mom.
He saw, relaxed. “Answer.”
I figured she was calling to make sure I wouldn’t back out of breaking the bond, with days left.
I picked up. “I’m with your son. Wanna talk to him?”
Evelyn changed her tune.
“No. Just checking–still want that bag you liked?”
“Yeah. Mine are all at the shop. Need one.”
“Come pick it up.”
“Thanks.”
The call ended fast.
Adrian frowned. “Since when are you and my mom tight?”
“Isn’t that good? You want us fighting?”
He had no reply. I was too good at dodging.
His anger faded.
He’d watched me react to the list-I hadn’t lingered on Gideon’s name.
It was all about him finding my new place.
Gideon was probably a fluke.
Just a petty rebellion, buying a place behind his back.
“I’ll drive you home,” he said, starting the car.
“My car-”
“I’ll have someone bring it.”
He locked the doors, no arguing, and drove off.
The next few days, I stayed home, safe.
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< Chapter 17
I practiced how Adrian’d react to the bond breaking.
He’d lose it at first. So I’d skip the storm, take my trip, let him cool.
If all went well, he’d agree eventually.
Vanessa’d demand a title, and my quiet exit’d be a relief.
“One thing,” Cassie said over the phone.
“Watch Evelyn. She’s been up to something. Worried she’ll mess things up.‘
“Relax. Till the bond’s broken, she’s scared I’ll change my mind. She’ll keep things steady.”
I was sure.
Evelyn was out there spreading news of our split, hyping a Quinn bond. Let her.
Friday afternoon, I booked a flight to Belmor Pack. Evelyn called.
Three days since we’d talked.
I knew she had a scheme, but she hadn’t reached out.
“Hey, Evelyn,” I answered.
“Meet me to sign the new agreement.”
“Have your lawyer talk to mine.”
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“Vivian, you jacked the settlement from a billion to one–point–five, and now you’re being difficult? Get here today. I’m at the Aman–quiet, no one’ll see.”
The Aman?
I thought of Frank’s message. Alpha Gideon was there today too.
Why was everyone converging?
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