Fall From Grace, Rise To Reign

ngers along the menu. "The chef's signature is famous, and skipping it today would

s nudged Jeremy closer to the

out thinking, waving a hand. "Her happiness

raise around him, he fo

ps, the hint of triu

o watch how he would

roached with a prou

hat separates us. I only stand here, and Jeremy showers me with the best, while yo

r chin, eyes bright as she

nswered with a qu

glinting. "Before you pity me,

you talk

e direction of

ith careful steps, holding a bill edged

nt," he said politely, offering it with a

he once placed in his palm and slid it across the

ed moments later, tension flickerin

e said in a low voice. "The pa

ghtened, disbelief fla

t," he said coldly.

tempt, the machine beeping

"Our system is operating normally, and it's

ount is

the room, sharp enough

Lainey, who was calm

is her

t at last, shock breaking through

mil

s face as the number

willing the digits to c

with quiet amusement, "Surely, Mr. W

and met her gaze, her eye

asked, eyes narrowing, dis

t?" Lainey said mildly, folding her hands. "Mr. White,

right laughter in the room t

e shift, the tension c

ort laugh, lips c

r aside. "Jeremy always keeps his promises. Maybe the bank made a mistake,

olite smile slo

mness. "The Laurel Club does not al

fists and moved toward Lainey

we speak outsid

e," she replied calmly, eyes clear. Pretending not to noti

ched teeth he murmured, barely audib

eyes and lifted her

you want me to p

tly drawing every gaze

to keep quiet, Lainey lifted her v

evenly, eyes bright. "Asking someone who has nothing to do with y

n slap, ringing against the

burning through him as he swore he

ater," he muttered,

, afraid of the scorn he

before leaning closer and whispering. "

tightened her grip on he

e she could steal him aw