LINDEN“What did they talk about?”“There was no talking involved, boss. They were fighting.” There was a hesitation in Qamar’s voice, but I had to know if Estelle was in danger.“What else, Q? What are you not telling me?”“They were fighting about you.”I nodded in understanding, even if he couldn’t see me. “It’s my fault. I provoked Gustav.”“It’s not your fault. This issue had been there for years before you even met Ms. Bladwyn. And even if you’re not going to tell me, I will do the right thing and what’s good for my client. What are you gonna do, boss?”“I have plans.”“Good to hear that.”“In the meantime, keep an eye on her. Sometimes, she does reckless things to prove she’s right.”“You can count on me, boss.” I hung up the phone.“What’s the matter?” Willa asked with a plate of lasagna in her hand.“I might just do something stupid.”“I’m not judging. You can be stupid for the greater good.” She gave me the plate and a fork and joined me on her couch. “That’s delicious.”“Yo

LINDEN“Where are we going?” she asked me again and again. I hadn’t answered her question as I stuffed her inside the SUV. I only told her to wear comfortable clothes.Lynx went to the driver’s seat while Q was on the passenger’s. “So, who’s the new hot guy?” I knew she was messing with me. I could see the glint in her eyes, but joke or not, I couldn’t ignore the twinge in my chest.“Excuse me?” I leaned in to whisper in her ear. “I just had you this morning, and I’m sure my come is still there, and you’re already asking who’s the new hot guy?”She just giggled. “He’s cute.”I groaned as I pinched her on her thigh, causing her to yelp. “What was that for, Gabriel Rembrandt?”I smiled. “You might know my birthday, as well.”She took her phone, and I just saw her dialing Sax.“Why are you calling him?”Instead of answering, she pressed her finger against my lips. I held her and kissed it before I pulled it down.“Hey, Sax. I hope I’m not interrupting something.” She paused as Sax migh

LINDEN “I think my past is coming to bite me in the ass, Linden.” I’d never seen Jasper so serious until today. He ran his fingers through his dark hair again. His eyes were haunted. My stomach twisted. “What do you mean, Jas?” “You know my father, what he did, and I was a part of it.” “You’ve paid for your mistakes. You redeemed yourself back—” “To the authority. When I thought I would be safe forever under the protection of the FBI, I was wrong. I just found out that someone dangerous has been asking about me lately.” “I will do everything in my power to protect you. And we’re not alone anymore, Jas.” “No. I can’t let you do that.” He shook his head violently. “I don’t want you to do that. You’re the closest to a family I have left, Linden.” “Too bad that’s not your decision to make.” “I’ve been thinking about this since I found out and decided it last night.” “What is your plan, Jas?” I crossed my arms over my chest as I sat on my desk. “I can’t let you do that alone. Tha

ESTELLE “Do I really need both of you?” I asked why Lynx had to join us today. I thought Qamar was enough, but Linden went a little overboard with my security. “It’s more than just me and Q,” Lynx confirmed. I couldn’t help but inwardly smile as I remembered how Linden got jealous of him. “What do you mean?” He tipped his chin to the side mirror. I looked at the rearview and asked incredulously, “That Tahoe is for me? Why?” “Boss doesn’t take your safety lightly.” “Why? Am I in some kind of danger?” I asked both of them, but Qamar just went silent, too focused on driving, if I may say. “Qamar?” “Yes, ma’am?” He briefly looked at me through the rearview as if avoiding my question. “We could expect a reporter at your building, Ms. Bladwyn. Trust me. Sometimes it gets a little wild knowing your status.” “But it’s too extreme. You and Qamar are already too much.” “Ignore the SUV following us. You won’t even know it’s there.” “Too late.” I glared at Lynx as I fished out my pho

ESTELLE “Do you really think I would not find out who had been helping you with your little stunt yesterday?” “Dad, it wasn’t a secret. And you should accept my winning. And I can’t believe I’m still the bad guy here after what you did to me. Why don’t you try opening another business? You are a good wine connoisseur. Besides, CTEC doesn’t keep you busy already?” “Don’t act like you know anything. You’re just an overly ambitious little brat. Don’t worry, Estelle. I will be there to watch you fall.” “You’re so out of line. Instead of being happy for what I’ve accomplished, you’re terrorizing me. You conspired with Mr. Weston to take my seat. What kind of father does that to his child? And before I started this company, you didn’t believe in my capability. Remember what you said? Go and find an 8-hour shift job to pay your bills. I sent you to a good school not to waste your time on something unreachable.” I clenched my jaw hard when I began to vibrate in anger. “You really think y