Semua Bab Entanglement: Falling for Dad's Bestfriend: Bab 1 - Bab 4

With only a duffel bag and the crushing weight of my stunning failure, I found myself alone in the driveway of my boyhood home when the taxi's engine quit. Three days ago I was Isabella Romano, a Wall Street analyst with a view of the corner office and an engagement ring that was worth more than the yearly pay of most individuals. Once again, I'm just Izzy, in financial disaster and embarrassment, creeping home like some pathetic cliché. My phone buzzed for what feels like the hundredth time today. An additional blocked number. Another vulture reporter, no doubt, keen to comment on the insider trading case that ruined my career. Although I was plainly too innocent to see the trap my own fiancé was laying for me, I was ironically too honest to be a part of the scheme that caused half of my company to fail. I can't get the irony out of my mouth. *Former fiancé* I can't stop thinking about it. In Manhattan, I saw Marcus tangled with my supposed best friend, Sarah, in the

Not much has changed with the Rusty Anchor. Sticky flooring, flashing neon signs, and inebriated construction workers numbing their sorrows with cheap whiskey are all still present. A great spot to vanish. I've been drinking Irish whiskey by the glass and attempting to block out the private investigator's statements for the past two hours. non-publicity-loving silent partners. What is meant by that? Could Dad be up to something? Is Dom here? I can't stop thinking about Dom's face when he almost kissed me, which is much worse. The warmth in his gaze. Again, my phone buzzes. Papa. Number six message: Where are you? I'm beginning to worry. I don't pay attention. “An additional round?” The bartender, who is Tommy?, gives me a look that is a mix of sympathy and worry. “Why not?” I proudly give him my glass while speaking in a barely audible slur. "There isn't really anywhere better for me to be." My cell phone rings. Father once more. I put it on voicemail, and it i