The Jilted Heiress's San Francisco Escape

nd Leo in the guest roo

red me. "And until Maria can find a

a fallen comrade, a brave operative who'd saved Chris's life. He was

ory. If you didn'

re bedrooms. The master sui

ousy, around me. Always a

you are so kind

e soup, Miss Gard

rieving widow and struggling

me blue eyes, same charming, lopsided grin when he wasn

er Chris, call

im. "It's Uncle Chris, buddy

n office, planning my next documentary, or meeting with Sen

y. Noah Chen.

ike a biz

w close friends. To celebrate... well, to celebrate us being

ed to

e, quiet and efficient. Leo played on the fl

ekeeper brought out a

ade about an assignment in Southeast Asia, th

ont of Leo, I saw her hesitat

lit up. He

k a bi

r, he started coug

ny hives began to appea

"Leo! Oh my Go

breathe! He's allergic! He's

s face a mask of terr

new!" Maria sobbed, clutching L

ends was alrea

knew he liked mangoes! Did you... did you do this on purpose,

silent. All ey

ia's tear-streaked, a

a moment. Then, a flicker of doubt

oice low. "Did you kn

rgy. But Maria's words... *Chris's son*. Sh

" I said, my voice shaking

ked. "She hates that Leo i

frightening g

's arms. "I'm taking him to the ER myself. It'll be faster."

ng mine, without a word. His focus ent

eo, his face contorted with fear for

love, of any desire to salva

Or, at least, he

leaving. He waved them off, alread

lowed him

t me with a mixture

frozen, as the

ary bedroom. I packed a small over

sly large diamond Chris had presented to me u

a shor

s anymore. It's over. D

next to

penthouse, out of that li

was waiting, just as he'd promise

he door. "Miss Gard

ice surprisingly steady. "Fi