The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open onto the executive floor. They stepped out into the familiar corridor, the polished marble gleaming under the recessed lighting. The office was a bit hectic at this hour, most of the staff were still returning from their lunch break, and their footsteps echoed in the empty space.Rebecca fell into step beside Noah as they walked toward his office, her voice carrying a note of something that was almost casual. "David told me you spent the night at the Lansings."Noah felt a flush creep up his neck, but he willed it down with practiced effort. "I went there to talk to Victoria. Nothing more. The conversation ran late, and she insisted I stay over."Rebecca's expression was perfectly neutral. "I see." Was all she said.Noah shot her a look, trying to read the meaning behind her flat tone. "What's that supposed to mean?""It doesn't mean anything. I was just making an observation.""An observation that you felt the need to share.""I share a lo

"I was trying to be civil. I was trying to move forward. But you're still stuck in the past, still holding onto your anger like it's the only thing keeping you alive." She snapped at himBut Noah said nothing. He simply stared at her, his expression unyielding.Nicole's composure finally cracked. She stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor with a sharp sound. She walked toward the door, her steps quick and agitated, but she paused at the threshold, turning back to face him."I was really trying," she said, her voice carrying a note of desperation. "I was really trying to make things right between us….” She swallowed around the lump in her throat, " But you won't meet me halfway. You won't even try."Noah only have her a pitiless look, eyes cold and dead.It was clear that nothing she said would get through to him.At that Nicole's face crumpled immediately.Her anguish was plain to see to the entirety of the room for just that moment, before she smoothed it away. With

With a sigh, she started the engine, her mind already racing through the damage control she would need to do. She needed a peace offering, something that would soften Camille's mood and make her more amenable to listening.She thought about Camille's preferences, about the little details she had noticed over the past few days. Camille had a sweet tooth, though she would never admit it. She pretended to be above such indulgences, but Rebecca had seen the way her eyes lit up at the mention of something sugary.And she had a particular weakness for a specific bakery in the city. It was a small, upscale establishment that specialized in French pastries, the kind of place that charged exorbitant prices for things that were almost too beautiful to eat. Camille's favorite was a tart, a peculiar combination of flavors that Rebecca had never heard of before. It was called a ‘Tarte aux Fruits de la Passion et au Gingembre Confit’, and it was a delicate creation of passion fruit curd, candied

Camille's pout deepened, but there was a glint of amusement in her eyes. "You're no fun. You know that? No fun at all. Here I am, trying to be interested in your boring little life, and you won't even give me a crumb of drama.""Because there's no drama to give."Camille scoffed, leaning back on her hands. "Everyone has drama, Becky. Even you. Especially you. You're just too stubborn to admit it." She paused, her eyes glittering with something that might have been mischief. "But I'll let it slide. For now."She reached for the file on the table, flipping it open with a practiced motion. Her expression shifted, the teasing facade giving way to something sharper, more predatory."Anyway, you asked about the case. And I have good news." Her grin was feral, almost hungry. "My darling Dr. Price is a freaking genius."Rebecca raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"Camille leaned forward, her voice dropping into something almost conspiratorial. "He found something on the latest victim. And it connects

Noah blinked, his mind still struggling to process her words. "But... I promised. I told you I would be there. You said you were nervous, that you needed support..""I know what I said." Nicole's voice was softer now, carrying a note of something almost apologetic. She stepped closer to him, eyes imploring."But I've been thinking about it, and I realized... you don't normally like these things. The events, the galas, all of it. You always look so uncomfortable, Noah. And if there is anything I never want, it's for you to be uncomfortable…. So I thought I could go alone this time. Save you the trouble." She said.Noah opened his mouth to protest, to tell her that he didn't care about his own discomfort, that he wanted to be there for her. But the words died in his throat. There was something in her expression, a flicker of something almost guilty, that made him pause."It's really not because I don't want you there love," Nicole continued, her voice carrying a note of gentle reassur