Shadow Of Reality

s, and the luxury he offered. But Hailey had declined his offer for a drink without hesitation. That

enthouse, his sanctuary of order and control. Everything in his life was

uilt walls around himself, protecting his heart from vulnerability. Love? Trust? Those w

me still tigh

beautiful, confident, and supportive to everything he thought he wanted. But her betrayal after using him to further her own ambitions, while pretending to care for him

ess over waitresses. His life was filled with high-stakes deals, corporate takeovers, a

gh his contacts, and made a call. The p

st you?" came the smooth voic

is tone sharp. "Her name is Hailey Evans. Sh

uckle. "A woman? That's

f. "I want everything as family

r. You'll have

iley had made an impression, and he wasn't the type to let things slip away. He had buil

sitors. Opening the door, he found himself face-to-face with a familiar figure.

said, his

still belonged there. "I was in town and thoug

ng her in. Elena had a habit of showing up uninv

he asked, barely mas

nning a hand across his chest as she wal

nds." Damien re

ng smile. "No, I suppose not.

rowed. "What are

whiskey glass. "About a certain waitress at The Silver

ched, anger ri

Damien. I'm not here to cause trouble. Just thought you mi

aving Damien standing in the middle of his flawless pen

ldn't get over the thoughts of Hailey in his mind, but he knows they will c

th precision, her thoughts focused on getting through another shift and returning home to her mother. Despite the elegant setting,

s it. His business card was still tucked in her apron, the embossed letters a reminder of his offer, a drink after her shift. She hadn't call

asy. She sensed it before she turned to

lliams ha

aze fixed on her. Her stomach fluttered, but she forced herself to stay calm. He was just ano

man who got bored easily. He looked li

table, determined to remain professional.

ving hers. "I was hoping we could cont

her tone polite. "I'm

ement flickering in his eyes.

her mouth sudde

lope from his jacket and placed it on the

ope, suspicion creepi