“My father. He came here,” I sniff, wiping away residual tears, starting to gain control over them too. Jake calms me effortlessly, and he has absolutely no idea. He’s my lifeboat in a stormy sea.

“To the offices?” A startled response, much like mine was.

“Reception on the ground floor.” I swallow and sit up, able to take a steadying breath, my voice getting stronger.

“What did he do, Bella?” His voice is barely above a whisper, treating me like fragile ...