LETTERS OF FATE

e weight of the headline settled in. Sophia Lane, the woman Adrian was so keen to impress, was already tied to someone new. The image of

e still so deeply entangled in th

apping her back to reality. An em

ts the next letter b

loomed ahead. But this time, the familiar pressure of the job was compounded by a sinking feelin

t, determined to focus. The only way to fac

sted at the thought of Adrian reading it. This time, she had taken his advice to heart, infusing her wor

ew days had been a tumultuous mix of emotional peaks and valleys, and the idea of a full night's sl

drian real

alls feeling just as cold and uninviting as before. James greeted her with his

s that reached the floor. He didn't turn when she wa

inally said, his voice

ing her hands in her lap. Her nerves were all mixed up, but she

drian said, pacing slow

?" she asked,

is sharp gray eyes fixed on hers. "It feels more real. You need t

ll, I'm not sure what else you want from me. I've tried everythin

ed, cutting her off.

Sophia. The photos of her with som

se. "I don't pay attention to tab

een pushing for answers or backing off. Adrian's reaction had been immediate and intense, leaving no room for doubt.

e letters will make a dif

ned. "That's not somethin

e. "You brought me in to write these letters, to convince Sop

with all the things left unsaid. For a moment, Claire feared she

s dark hair. "Words are all I have, Miss Harrington. If they fail me, well, I

rmor of his stoicism. For the first time, Claire caught a hint of the man beneath the bill

replied gently, surprising hersel

ening on her for just a beat

asting shadows across the room, her phone buzzed with a notification.

e need to meet. Midn

d the message. Midnight? Why s

unsure how to respond. But before she coul

t be

mind. What could Adrian possibly want to discuss at this hour