Chapter 22
After hanging up. I found an article mentioning Rachel being hired as a “special consultant to Jeffrey Palmer. Everything clicked into place with sickening
clarity.
I called Caspian immediately.
“Don’t sign anything.” I wamed. This whole situation feels wrong.”
1 was just about to call you, he replied. “Palmer wants me to sign a ten–year contract. The terms are incredible–almost too o good-”
The call abruptly cut off. Moments later, a text arrived: Playing with fire, counselor. Once your boyfriend signs, you and I will have a proper reunion. R
Diana appeared in my doorway. “The Palmer family has invited you and Drake to their cabin retreat this weekend to ‘privately finalize the contract details.”
“Contract negotiations happen in offices, not remote cabins,” I objected.
This is a multi–million dollar contract, Winters. Adapt or get out.”
The mountain road to Palmer’s cabin snaked through dense forest. No phone signal–exactly what I’d feared.
Caspian arrived, tension radiating from his body.
When our eyes met, a jolt of electricity shot through me that had nothing to do with fear.
His expression softened, the hard lines of his face momentarily vulnerable in a way that made my chest ache.
“I looked into Rachel,” he said, voice low, “You were right about her connections to Palmer.
“We need to leave.” 1 insisted, pulse racing from his proximity. Too late. Their cars are coming.”
His fingers brushed mine, sending heat spiraling up my arm.
“Whatever happens, remember I’m on your side.
He held out a small bakery box. These are hazelnut. I remember you always brought hazelnut snacks in high school.”
My heart stuttered painfully. This tiny detail he’d kept for six years crashed through my defenses like a wrecking ball. “How do you remember that?”
Hassy locked with mine, intense and burning. Some things, six years can’t erase
The rawness in his voice made something deep inside me fracture.
I wanted to hate him–needed to hate him–but in that moment, all I felt was the ghost of what might have been if not for that stupid bet.
This doesn’t change anything.” I said, taking the box, our fingers touching longer than necessary.
- His voice dropped to a whisper. “But I’m not letting them hurt you again, Sage.”
The way he said my name–soft, almost like a caress–ient shivers racing down my spine.
Six years of built walls threatened to crumble from that single word.
emerged, has perfect.
never reaching his cold eyes.
Winters! So pleased your could join us
And finally, Ractal-
Sage, she greeted, more banej neert
sharp
with something dangerously hard in her expression.
mily reunion this
Chapter 22
As we walked toward the cabin, Caspian moved closer, his breath warm against my ear.
I won’t let them near you,” he murmured, voice fierce with a protectiveness that made my heart race for entirely different reasons.
His hand brushed mine again, this time deliberately taking it in his, squeezing once before letting go
That brief contact burned through me, leaving confusion and longing in its wake.
Lightning splat the sky, illuminating everyone in stark clarity–Jeffrey’s calculating patience, Victoria’s jealous rage, R determined protection.
Rachel’s cold vengeance, and Caspian’s
alk away intact.
This wasn’t just about a contract anymore. This was about settling old scores, forging new alliances, and determining who would walk
The game was on, and this time, the stakes were far higher than five hundred dollars.
Chapter Comments
POST COMMENT
