Jake's POVMy gaze locked with Rose's across the room. I hadn't realized she was there, representing her father most likely. The shock of recognition drew my attention, and I scanned the room further. To my surprise, several faces were familiar. The drugs must be working, although I hadn't been taking them regularly as prescribed.Quickly tearing my eyes away from Rose, I focused on the board. My situation could wait. "What is the board's decision?" I addressed the room at large. It wouldn't do to talk too much. Someone had obviously reached a conclusion before the meeting even began.Mr. Timothy, acting as the board representative, rose and approached the raised platform. "We've heard your statement, Chairman. The rumors are false, and your wife is taking time away to heal from the brutal media attack on her personal life. While these rumors do damage the company's image, you've assured us you'll handle containment.""We have two propositions," Mr. Timothy announced. "Either you step

Jake's POVThe news was finally contained. No more articles about Selena or me would be circulating. Thinking back, I questioned my last conversation with Rose. Why would she divulge Selena's feelings to me?Selena had hinted at something similar, but why would Rose flaunt it? She must be desperate to locate Selena. Well, she'd be sorely disappointed. I couldn't even track Selena down, and her friend wouldn't budge on her whereabouts, even if she knew.Putting that aside, I scheduled an appointment with a new doctor far from home. It would be a short trip, and secrecy was paramount. Not even Jeff could know. Speaking of whom, he'd been acting strangely lately. It must be the stress of the past week. We still hadn't identified the news leak.My phone buzzed for what felt like the hundredth time that day. Knowing the caller, I ignored it again. Eventually, she'd tire of trying to reach me.I shut down my laptop, grabbed my schedule, and reviewed my day's plans. It was astonishing how mu

Jake's POVRelief washed over me as I opened the door to find the police waiting. However, that relief was quickly replaced by anger. What on earth was Rose doing here? How had she found this place? Even before I could see who was standing there, her scent gave her away. "What the hell are you doing here?" I snapped, fury lacing my voice. She had no business being there!"Jake! That's not nice," Rose whined, feigning hurt."Why are you here? How did you find out about this place?" I demanded."I... I just did," she stammered. "I... followed you.""What?" Her audacity never ceased to amaze me. Then, I heard the elevator doors open followed by footsteps. Glancing past Rose, I saw three police officers approaching. They stopped, taking in the scene."Mr. Marino?" one of them inquired."Yes," I confirmed, then turned back to Rose, frustration coloring my voice. "This is a terrible time, Rose. Can we talk later?"Rose frowned, her gaze darting between me and the officers. She clearly had

Hillary's POVI had a hard time getting Jake Marino to leave my office. He was so persistent that I finally had to request a few private minutes with him. Taking a seat, I took a calming sip of my cold drink. (Perhaps it was something I enjoyed having whenever he was around.)"How can I help you, Jake?" I inquired evenly."Selena," he blurted out, getting straight to the point. "Where is she?""I've already told you, I don't know where she is," I repeated."I don't believe you," he said, his voice heavy with apology. "Sorry, you two are close friends. Why wouldn't she tell you where she's going?"I shrugged helplessly. "Maybe she didn't want me to know because she figured you'd pester me for the information."He ran a hand through his hair in frustration. "Please," he pleaded."Why now?" I challenged. "You didn't seem to care before.""I... I don't really have an excuse," he admitted sheepishly. "But I feel bad now that she's gone. I should have treated her better.""It's too late for

Diego's POVMy informant must have done a bang-up job. No one dared to stop me as I strode confidently towards the floor where the meeting was taking place. Reaching the door, I flung it open.Inside, I saw the lawyer, the manager, and Mrs. Dacosta seated around a table with a stranger. "We weren't expecting you here, Diego," Mr. Luke said, a hint of displeasure in his voice. Well, I certainly wasn't happy they were having this meeting without me."Greetings all," I offered, plastering a fake smile on my face. I noticed the attractive woman stealing a glance at me, but before I could meet her eyes, she looked away."Diego, this is the new acting president, Selena Dacosta," Mr. Luke introduced us.Interesting. The daughter. So I'd been right all along. They had a hidden daughter, brought in to take over, no doubt. "The daughter?" I echoed in surprise."Yes, Selena," Mr. Luke continued, "meet Diego Lorenzo, one of our most prominent board members." I nodded curtly, my attention fixed on