Buying My Freedom From The Cheating CEO

seen Mr. L

Giovanna Brooks's lips with the same effortless

rgy, shook his head. "I believe he went to

nk y

perfume and the low hum of powerful people making deals disguised as conversation. Each smile she returned felt like a mask she was ho

years-was never late, and he ne

ious gesture she'd had for years. It was a flawless cushion-cut diamond, a symbol of a fu

t swallowing the sound of her heels. It was a stark contrast to th

heavy oak door left slightly ajar. And from within, she

. She quickened her pace, a soft repri

voice, laced with a cloying sweetness

are you goin

a, it turned out, was just a fake who wasn't the b

eins seemed to slow, turning to ice. Her heart, which had been beating a s

e stood perfectly still, a s

s in the dark, but the words were alien, monstrous. "As soon as the deal with Lindsey Group is f

r Giovanna. Her throat clos

eing hammered into a coffin. "I don't care about that.

a kiss. Giovanna squeezed her eyes shut, but the im

ce was a low murmur, thick a

'd sipped threatened to come back up. The air in the hallway felt thin, suffocat

ture she had built her entire world around. It all collapsed in that single, sl

ical movement, her body acting without her mind's permission.

e ornate patterns on the wallpaper

ont of her until she collided w

rms, steadying her. "Miss

s circle, a man with a reputation for observing more than he said. His handsome

e hall, and a flicker of understanding crossed his features. He knew. Of course, he

eer force of will. "I'm fine, Mr. Vance. Thank you." Her voice was a str

ng her face. He flagged down a passing waiter and took

er

which felt numb and useless, wrapped around it. The chill seeped into her skin, a

ater sliding down her raw thro

constructed mask of calm neutrality. The storm was still

n Vance a curt,

kage of her life behind that door, and walked with steady, m