e

lieved the world ended

e, had raised her on little more than strength and resilience. Serena scrubbed hotel linens by day and managed a bar kitchen at night, while Charles drifted between constr

gins of her schoolbooks. Her talent had earned her a local scholarship-a way out. But life had its ow

er time to think. People remembered her smile, soft-spoken nature, and the w

here had b

th

rown up under le

s the region. The Toms' influence extended into politics, business, and philanthropy, their name opening doors in cities far

ts who spoke in hushed tones defined Arthur's childhood. Elias was a master strategist in global finance-brilliant and commanding

isingly tender with Arthur. Their bond had been forged in quiet walks, secret fishing trips, and long conversations by the f

r had felt seen.

borrowed soul-half in, half out

bar at the far end of town-the one his grandfather never approved of but never condemned either. T

here he'd

e

a novel cracked open beside the register. She'd come in

ces. Exchanges of coffee for cash. Then one

kep

th

rformance. Her eyes held stories she never told, and that made him lean closer. She hadn'

t of a house too big to breathe in. She never asked. She had

something gentle.

, she'd