Claimed by the Hartfords

as she shuffled toward the door. As she opened it, her eyes widened in surprise. There, on the gr

ked it up, reading the familiar, charming handwriting

grance of the flowers. She couldn't help but appreciate Nico's

portfolio into her bag, checking that everything was in place, then took a steadying breath. Today was her chance to prove hersel

tom step, she found herself greeted by Alexander and Nico, both waiting by the front entrance. It was as if they'd coordina

th a polite nod. "You're looking

g to Nico, who gave her an easy, relaxed smile

I thought you might need a little encouragement." His gaze dropped brie

you, Nico. That was ve

e looked at his brother. "Elena, I can drive you to the museum.

a more enjoyable ride, you're welcome to join me instead. I know

such different reasons. Alexander's offer was about work, professionalism, and his never-ending dedication to keeping thin

feel the competitive energy building between the brothers. This

ly, trying to keep her voice as neutral as possible. "I want a few minu

wed by Alexander's measured no

"Suit yourself," he said, clearly amused. "But don't say

her way out to call her ride. The brothers' attention lingered o

-----

at caught the morning sun, making the whole place gleam like a jewel. As she stepped through the entrance, she felt a re

d family history to life for the public. The building was filled with artifacts, some more valuable than she could have ever i

ts, and the optimal flow for visitors. There were artifacts with stories she hadn't yet heard, and the more she explored,

Renaissance-era piece depicting a woman's serene face. She reached out, almost unconsciously, lettin

ough behind her

d approaching her, his expression a

ancing at the badge she wore. "There'

it could be. She didn't know many people here yet, and both Alexander

e say his name?" s

id his name was Jared. He mentioned that he's a fri

im in weeks, and as far as she was concerned, that was for the best. After everything t

him away?" the guard aske

ng thoughts. She could handle this. "

the edge of the curb. He looked the same as always-tall, athletic, with a confident, almost arroga

ming grin as he walked over to her. "I didn't think I'd

ing him warily. "There's

is smile faltering. "I messed up. I know

at my work and 'make things right'?" she asked, her voice tight with frustration. "You

ena, I made a mistake, okay? I was an idiot, and I'm sorry. I can't stand the i

, and I'm not alone. I have work to focus on, a new chapter of my life. What

ooked away, seemingly frustrated. "So

hoice," she said quietl

thing more to say. She could see in his eyes that he wanted to fight, to

it," he said, his voice soft. "But if you ever need someon

eadily on him as he approached her. "Back of

e you. I'm sorry for what happened the last time you k

ut her in and the blows she had taken to her stomach and face that had landed her in the hosp

ou do not want to cause a scene h

nd threw his hands up and turned aro