Page 157 of Guarded King

“It could be a fresh start,” Sophie chimes in. “Maybe it’ll help the pain over Roman ease a little. If it’s meant to be, it’ll work out. But for now, you can focus on you.”

I dab at a flake of pastry on the plate in front of me. “I’ve thought about it. It’s too soon to move out. Not when this thing between Dad and Carol is so new and he’s still improving with his medication. But yes, if things continue to go well there, I might look at getting a place of my own. Somewhere with great light so I can set up a little painting space.”

Lola raises her coffee cup. “To new beginnings and rediscovering old dreams.”

Sophie lifts hers as well, joining in the toast. “To strong women taking control of their own destinies.”

I follow suit, tapping the rim of my cup to theirs, a chaotic mix of emotions swirling through me. “To happiness, in whatever form you find it.”

CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

ROMAN

As I watch the rain trickle down the car window, I can’t help but think the weather matches my fucking mood. It’s been three weeks since Chloe left. No, it’s been three weeks since Isenther away.

Fuck. I rub my hand over my face.

“We’re here,” Phillip says, eyeing me in the rearview mirror. “I’ll pull in under the awning so you don’t get wet.”

“Thanks.” Like it’s been since that day in my office, my tone is hollow. I should be over the fucking moon. I’m about to get everything I’ve spent the last few years working toward. The last thing I should feel right now is empty—yet I do.

Tate and Cole are already here, waiting for me in the lobby.

“Are you ready?” I ask as I approach.

In unison, they turn and the three of us head toward the elevators. As we step up to the elevator bank, the doors of one car open and Haverscombe strides out, a scowl on his face.

He pulls up short when he sees us, and for the first time in days, a surge of satisfaction hits me.

“Sorry to hear your bid was unsuccessful, Roger.” I offer him a smile that does nothing to hide my satisfaction. “Let’s hope your share prices don’t take too big a hit when the news breaks.”

He narrows his eyes. “Playing dirty just like your father, I see.” He’s trying to get under my skin, but it won’t work. He messed with something he should never have messed with, and he better have learned his fucking lesson.

“Playing dirty? You mean like having photos taken of my assistant and me and feeding stories to the tabloids in an attempt to ruin my reputation before our bid? That kind of dirty?”

His nostrils flare.

“I bet Ellis didn’t appreciate your attempts to manipulate his decision.” Tate flicks an imaginary speck of dust off his sleeve. “I can’t imagine it would go well for you if the news were to spread within the industry either.”

I step forward, towering over Roger. “I assume Katherine suggested you use my assistant to get what you want. You should know better than to listen to her. She has her own agenda, and I can guarantee you, it’s to her benefit, not yours.”

Anger darkens his gaze. “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t speak about my fiancée that way,” he bites out.

Fiancée?I can’t stop the genuine grin that spreads across my face. “Congratulations on your upcoming nuptials. I can’t think of a better match.” I side-step him and tug on the cuff of one sleeve. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have business to attend to.”

Cole and Tate file into the elevator behind me.

“That was fun,” Tate says once we’re safely ensconced in the stainless-steel box.

I straighten my tie. “It was.” Unfortunately, my good mood fades as quickly as the elevator ascends to the top floor.

Tate, likely sensing the change, clears his throat. “How’s Chloe?”

“I don’t know.” I focus on the numbers ticking over the door rather than looking at him.

“When was the last time you spoke to her?” Cole asks.

“Three weeks ago.”

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