Silence filled the line, so long that Ashley wondered if Vance had hung up without her noticing. Then his voice came back, calm and completely unfazed by her refusal.

"Then how about I bring something over for you? Hang tight."

Before Ashley could answer, he ended the call.

She stared at her phone for a few moments before setting it down. She had no idea what to say. Besides, she didn't have the energy to argue with him.

Before long, Vance actually showed up.

He walked into her office ...