the ride back to the city, but Ell
some pseudo-scientific report about their "bio-resonanc
her ears. The full and unwavering
aze, murmuring a thank you to the driver. As she walk
rge men in cheap black suits were standing directly in fro
stepping forward to block her path. "Your mother sent us. She'd like
her hand instinctively going for her phone. Sh
g. The screen
r voice tight. "
f and embarrassing us! Preston is willing to forgive you if you come
something placating. They were together. They had formed an
blocking her door, then back at the elevator. There
ve, and the men m
stairwell. They moved with silent, swift efficiency, placing themselves between Elliana and her mother's hi
lobby button, and descended. The Marshall men flanked her, but the
ley was still there, idling at the curb, its engine a low whisper. As she
upstairs," he said. "I believe Miss
he building. Of course-Hayes had been watching through his men o
e didn't argue. This was
to the car. She leaned down to the open wind
y nodded. "
hing in the world. Her mother and Preston had burned her last bridge. The
the number from Hayes's business c
es, the decision crys
aid, her voice clear and steady
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