The television flickered again, and Hayden Oakley’s image replayed for what felt like the fiftieth time that hour.

Eddie had changed channels multiple times trying to escape, but it seemed like he was trending because the news and gossip blogs cycle hadn’t stopped airing the moment he stepped out of that black SUV and walked into Oakley Corps without braces, assistance, or a single crutch.

He sat forward on the couch, jaw tight, his rough hands balled into trembling fists. The hotel room ...