Hailey Bennet, with her best friend Mandy, had active social lives when Mandy was still alive. It all started when the last of their kids turned into teenagers, developing independent attitudes and declaring they didn’t need their mommies anymore. Left with nothing to do, the best friends worked out together and volunteered at the local libraries, museums, and garden clubs. Wherever they were needed, that’s where they went. They went to a dance class together because they wanted to be fit and as pretty as when their husbands married them. They met at a ballet class when they were 6, and they became inseparable. When Hailey’s husband passed away, Mandy was there to pick up the pieces and pull her out of her depression and sadness. So when her best friend passed away, it was understandable that her health declined. Hailey’s passion to be part of the community disappeared. “I only did it because Mandy wanted to know the latest gossip. I could have done with just us, but she wanted t

“Was that a man on the phone?” Regina rolled her eyes. Owen obviously needed something from her, but instead, he dwelled on the fact she was conversing with a man on the phone. “That’s none of your business.” “What are you doing here?” “It’s my mother. Is she here?” “Why would she be here? I left her hours ago, and she was fine.” He pushed Regina to get into her house. “Mom, are you here?” “Excuse me! I told you she’s not here.” “Please, help me find her.” He pleaded. “From what I remembered this morning, you fired me. So why should I help you?” “I take it back,” Owen said under his breath. “You said what?” “I take it back. I shouldn’t have fired you. What you do with your personal life is your business.” Regina rolled her eyes. “Please, just help find my mom.” “Have you asked your uncle? Maybe he knows?” “I didn’t think about that. I have a meeting in 15 minutes, and my mother is missing.” “Okay, I’ll ask Mr. Dalton so you can go to your meeting.” “I’ll follow you to t

The week was almost over, and it had been a rough few days. Mrs. Bennet was not her usual happy self. Instead, there was another persona that had entered the equation. Regina had expected this to happen, but not so soon. Regina and the physical therapist had been successful in enhancing Mrs. Bennet’s motor skills by introducing exercise to her daily regimen. She had been resistant in the beginning, but having Regina do the exercises with her had made it entertaining. But this week, her mind regressed to her 5-year-old self and would do nothing. It was as if spoiled little Hailey had come out and taken over Mrs. Bennet’s body. Regina did everything to coax her out of her shell, even bribing her with ice cream, cake, and cookies. Things a younger kid would appreciate, but there was no convincing her, so they just let Mrs. Bennet sit and watch TV all day, which had Owen concerned. They called Dr. Albright to check and see why his mom was running a fever on top of everything that was

“Hi Regina, do you mind if I talk to you privately for a sec?” Myles looked bothered about something, and she wondered if she did anything wrong. “No, not at all. What is it?” They walk through the hallways to the gardens outside. “I’ve been digging around, you know, standard procedure for a background check, and I have a pressing question.” Regina knew this question would pop up, and she was surprised it took a while for one of them to figure out her real identity. “Why are you using Martin as your last name instead of Albright?” “First off, thank you for asking instead of accusing me of being a liar. Before I answer your question, can I ask you one first?” “Sure. Not the way I would answer a question, but why not?” “Now that you know I’m an Albright, has it changed your perception of who I was when I was just Regina Martin?” “Maybe.” “Did it get better or worse?” Myles shrugged. “When your last name holds a lot of weight, it’s hard to carry that around and live up to others’

“Mr. Dalton, I brought snacks,” Regina knocked at his office door. “He’s not in the office yet, dear.” Laurie, his assistant, had just come in and was surprised someone was at his door early that morning. “Oh, hi Laurie, I didn’t see you at your desk. I thought you were in there.” “Are these from the new bakery?” Laurie looked at the boxes on her table. “Yeah, my friend owns the place, and he bakes the pastries daily. The chocolate cake is so good, so help yourself. You too, Arthur, for your assistance.” He smiled while setting his things on the desk. Arthur Johnson is the CEO’s second assistant. While Laurie took care of the phone calls and important business transactions, Arthur dealt with the paperwork and out-of-office errands. Mr. Dalton usually sent him to different job sites or offices to deliver time-sensitive materials, which is why Regina often sees him at the Bennet mansion. “Don’t mind if I do,” Laurie said as she poured some coffee and got a pastry. “Hmm… this hit