The Architect's Vengeance: Empire Falls

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mped it into a box. Then I went through the house, systematically gathering every single gift, every token of Caden' s supposed affection. The

" I told the bewildered agent. "And every penny, every

ou sure, Mrs. Hurst? These

oice devoid of emotion.

tes, was bare. I started packing my own bags, a small, concise collection of

s wild. "Allisson! What have you done? The auction house just

"Oh, that old thing? Are you saying you were a

sion. "I... I was just looking for a new piece for

. You were there trying to save face, to prevent the

almly. "It was donated. Every pie

He pulled the sapphire necklace from his pocket, still glistening with raindrops. "It belongs to you. To us." He reached for me, his fingers

my lips. You truly are the master

stirred, groggily reaching for it, then fumbling to silence it. But it buz

he's not feeling well." He glanced at me, his eyes quickly darting away when he saw my fe

ent room. "Come on, man! Don't tell me you're whipped! We're having a bl

, not now. I just... I need to

voice chimed in, equally loud. "Remember the good old da

"Allisson is my life.

for his friends, cementing his image as the devoted, if

ke up. "Caden? What's going

the guys. They want me to go out." He looked at me, a calculated look

"Go. Have fun. I'm feeling much better. It' s b

rness crossed his face. "Are you sur

, knowing smile playing on my l

lready pulling on a robe. "What's the matter, Cade

ntly, h

entourage of interchangeable women. Caden' s expression tightened into a grim line, and he tried to steer

"And look who's here! The queen herself! We were jus

t, you're so whipped! Allisso

en he finds the right woman. Allisson is my world. My priorities

igar, Caden quickly intercepted him. "Buddy, you know Allisson hates cigar smoke." When Hector offered him a drink, Caden shook his head.

and. He draped his jacket over my shoulders when he perceived a sl

ging Hector. "He's a model husband,

oblivious to the silent s