All Chapters of WRONG ROOM : Chapter 121 - Chapter 130

Raymond gripped the phone so tightly that its edge pressed into his palm. For several seconds, he couldn't answer. He knew the voice, the small pause before his name, even the way she drew breath when she was waiting for him to speak. “Where are you?” “In Crystal City.” He pulled out a chair and sat down. Seeing her on a recording was different from hearing her answer him. Somewhere in the same city, Isabella was holding a phone and waiting for his response. She could have done that yesterday. Or last month. He had no idea how many years she could have called. “I need to see you,” she said. “You can begin by telling me why I'm hearing from you now.” “It's difficult to explain over the phone.” “Then explain what you can.” There was a pause. When she spoke again, her voice shook. “Richard wouldn't let me come back.” Raymond became still. “Richard Hale?” “Yes.” He looked toward the windows, keeping his voice level. She had named the man from the hotel recording witho

Two mornings after Marilyn arrived, she found Victor at the breakfast table with his jacket folded over an empty chair. He looked up when she entered, then moved the papers beside his plate so she would have room to sit near him. “Are you going somewhere?” she asked. “Crystal City. Your mother agreed to have coffee with me.” Marilyn stopped with her hand on the chair. “You called her?” “Yesterday. She invited me to her home this afternoon.” He studied her expression. “We're going to talk, Marilyn. I can't tell you what will come of it.” “I know.” She sat down, trying not to make more of it than he had said. “I'm glad you're going.” “So am I.” He set the papers aside completely. “How are you feeling this morning?” “I need something to do.” He waited while she poured herself some water. Her red hair fell against her cheek, and she tucked it behind her ear before looking at him again. “I don't mean something to keep me busy for an hour. I want to work.” “Have you thought about

Marilyn was still smiling at Raymond's last message when Tyler called. He wanted her to come for dinner the following evening. Naomi and Sia were coming too, and he promised there would be enough food even if they brought their appetites. “I'm in Landmark City,” she told him. “But I'm visiting Mom tomorrow. I could come afterward.” “Good. I'll send you the address.” She hesitated. “Raymond and I aren't together at the moment. If you're inviting him—” “Just you three.” His voice changed. “What happened?” “I've left the penthouse. We ended the engagement.” Tyler was quiet before asking whether she was all right. Marilyn said she would rather explain in person. Naomi and Sia already knew about the breakup from the messages she sent before leaving the penthouse. They had offered to come over, but she asked them to let her get through leaving first. Now she would finally see them. By the time she put down the phone, she was looking forward to an ordinary evening with her friends. Sh

Nearly two weeks after leaving the penthouse, Marilyn returned to Crystal City for her follow-up appointment. By then, she had started at Ashford and completed the first work her manager assigned. She was learning the team and beginning to understand what would be expected of her. For part of each day, she could concentrate without reaching for her phone to see whether Raymond had called. The appointment brought everything she was avoiding back to her. Afterward, she asked Elias to take her to her mother's residence. Elizabeth was expecting a visit, but Marilyn hadn't told her there was something important to discuss. As she stepped out of the car, she checked that her appointment papers were inside her handbag and carried them in herself. Lydia welcomed her, then left her with Elizabeth in the sitting room. Her mother smiled and reached for her hand. “You look tired, sweetheart. Come and sit down.” Marilyn sat beside her. For a moment, she looked at their joined hands, rememberi

“No.” Raymond turned the screen toward him and read the first message again. “I didn't ask her to review anything.” Claire went pale. “I should have checked before sending it.” “What exactly did she receive?” “The revised appendix. No workbook, no supporting quotations, and none of the rest of the proposal.” She opened the sent message so he could see the attachment. “When she asked for more, I called Madison.” Raymond read the request for the workbook. There was nothing uncertain about the way Isabella had used his name. She hadn't asked whether he would let her help. She had told Claire he already wanted it done. “Don't send anything else,” he said. “Keep both messages and your reply. Madison will arrange for the record to be preserved.” “I understand.” He looked at Claire. “We'll review how this happened. Right now, I need to know immediately if she contacts you again.” “I'll tell you.” Madison went with her to make sure no further material was released. Raymond called the