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Apparently Aurelie still held the public’s interest—the saht sourly You just couldn’t look away fro disaster

Still, he understood the bottoone out, and a significant nu one of her insipid numbers before the store officially reopened As CEO of Bryant Stores, the buck stopped with him It always stopped with him

‘Where is she exactly?’

‘Aurelie?’

As if they’d been talking about anyone else ‘Yes Aurelie’ Even her name was ridiculous Her real name was probably Gertrude or Millicent Or even worse, so with an unnecessary i like Kitti or Jenni Either way, absurd

‘She’s in the staff break room—’

Luke nodded gri and, da Like a canary

Upstairs, Bryant’s women’s departhostly facelessto accuse him silently Today had to be a success Bryant Stores had been slowly and steadily declining for the last five years, along with the economy No one wanted overpriced luxuries, which hat Bryant’s had sly specialised in for the last century Luke had been trying to change things for years but his older brother, Aaron, had insisted on having the final say and he hadn’t been interested in doing so that, in his opinion, diminished the Bryant name

When the latest disreed to an overhaul, and Luke just prayed it wasn’t too late If it was, he kneould be blamed

And it would be his fault, he told hirimly He was the CEO of Bryant Stores, even if Aaron still initialled many major decisions Luke took responsibility for what happened in his branch of Bryant Enterprises, including booking Aurelie as today’s entertainment

He knocked sharply on the door to the break room ‘Hello? MissAurelie?’ Why didn’t the wo for you—’ He tried the knob The door was locked He knocked again No answer