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Standing, I walked to one of the two floor-to-ceiling walls of s fra beyond the glass

I hadn’t known Eva was out there, had been afraid to even drea the one person in the world ould accept and love every facet of me

Hoas it possible that I’d found her here, in Manhattan, at the very building I’d had built against sound advice and at great risk? Too expensive, they’d said, and unnecessary But I’d needed the Cross name to be ged our nahts of the n at all you were leaning that way," Arash said behind ed tomen e blew out Cinco de Mayo, and a feeeks later you’re tellinga rare moht and position of"When have you knownto expand your portfolio, another to reboot your life overnight" He chuckled "So what are your plans, then? Breaking in the new beach house?"

"An excellent idea" Takingher all to myself had been heaven I was happiest when I was alone with her She revitalizedin a way I never had before

I’d built my empire with the past in mind Now, thanks to her, I would continue to build it for our future

My desk phone flashed It was Scott, on line one I pressed the button, and his voice cah the speaker "Corinne Giroux’s at reception She says she needs just a fewfor you Because it’s private, she wants to give it to you personally"

"Of course she does," Arash chi wo wo that while you head up to reception to get whatever it is she has"

His brows shot up "Really? Ouch"

"She wants to talk, she can talk to my attorney"

He pushed to his feet and headed out "Got it, boss"

I glanced at the clock Quarter to five "I’m sure you heard that, Scott, but to be clear, Madani will handle"

"Yes, Mr Cross"

Through the glass wall separating my office from the rest of the floor, I watched Arash round the corner on his way to reception, and then Iaside Eva would be withfor since the workday started

But of course, it couldn’t be that easy

A flash of crimson in the corner ofback out at the work floor and seeing Corinnetoward my office with Arash hot on her heels Her chin lifted when our eyesher fro one I could ad except Eva--objectively, dispassionately

Now happily rasp what a horrible mistake it would have been to marry Corinne It was unfortunate for all of us that she refused to see it

I stood and rounded my desk The look I swept over both Arash and Scott called them off from any further action If Corinne wanted to deal with ht thing

She glided into my office on red stilettos The strapless dress she as the sas and pale skin She wore her hair down, the black strands sliding around her bare shoulders She was the polar opposite of e of every other woh my life

"Gideon Surely you can spare a fewback into my desk, I crossedsecurity Make it quick, Corinne"

She smiled, but her eyes, the color of aquamarines, were sad

She had a small red box tucked under her arm When she reached me, Corinne offered it tofor it

"These are the photos that will appear in the book"